Friday, May 9, 2025
THE LIBERIAN INVESTIGATOR
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Investigations
  • News
    • National News
    • County News
    • Health
    • Environment
    • Human Interest
    • Press Release
    • Media
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Editorial
  • Commentary
  • Op-Ed
    • Opinions
    • Letters from the Editor
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Fact Checks
  • Lifestyle
    • Entertainment
  • Sports
THE LIBERIAN INVESTIGATOR
  • Home
  • Investigations
  • News
    • National News
    • County News
    • Health
    • Environment
    • Human Interest
    • Press Release
    • Media
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Editorial
  • Commentary
  • Op-Ed
    • Opinions
    • Letters from the Editor
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Fact Checks
  • Lifestyle
    • Entertainment
  • Sports
THE LIBERIAN INVESTIGATOR
No Result
View All Result
Home Featured

Sen. Dillon, LEC Board Chair Nominee Argue over Confirmation Hearing

by Blamo N. Toe
September 18, 2024
in Featured
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Sen. Dillon, LEC Board Chair Nominee Argue over Confirmation Hearing

MONROVIA – Cllr. Emmanuel Tulay, the Board Chair designate of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), reversed his initial stance that his position did not require Senate confirmation following a tense debate with Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon. The senator described Tulay’s posture as defiant and disrespectful to the Senate.

Tulay appeared before the Senate Committee on Hydrocarbon, Energy, and Environment, chaired by Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, on Tuesday, September 17. After being sworn in, Tulay delivered an oral presentation before answering questions from committee members to justify his qualifications for the position.

During the session, Senator Dillon questioned whether Tulay’s appearance was for confirmation or merely as a witness. Tulay insisted that his appearance was to clarify that, based on the amended 1978 LEC Act, his position did not require Senate confirmation. He argued that Section 85.4 of the amended law grants the president the authority to appoint the LEC board chair without confirmation.

“I am only here to state the truth and nothing but the truth,” Tulay said. “Section 85.4 of the 1976 law called for Senate confirmation of the LEC chair, but the 1978 amendment gives the president the authority to appoint.”

Cllr. Emmanuel Tulay

Tulay acknowledged receiving a formal letter from Senate Secretary Nanborlo Singbeh, inviting him for confirmation, but maintained his stance based on his interpretation of the law. He also stated he was unaware of any formal nomination by the president and had only received an appointment letter from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

However, Senator Dillon challenged Tulay’s legal interpretation, criticizing his lack of preparation and failure to properly research the law. Dillon questioned whether Tulay knew if the amendment he referenced had been signed by the president and printed into law, to which Tulay admitted he was unsure, deferring to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for clarification.

Dillon further pointed out that Tulay’s acceptance of the Senate oath, which qualifies nominees for confirmation, contradicted his earlier claim that he was there for clarification rather than confirmation. “Cllr. Tulay, you’re a lawyer. If you claim that your appearance isn’t for a confirmation hearing, on what legal basis did you come here?” Dillon asked.

As the debate grew heated, Senator Dillon accused Tulay of showing gross disrespect and defiance to the Senate. Dillon then vowed not to vote for Tulay’s confirmation, citing his perceived challenge to the authority of the Senate.

Nimba County Senator Nya Twayen took a more measured approach, attempting to deescalate the situation after Dillon left the hearing. Twayen reminded Tulay that previous LEC board chairs had faced Senate confirmation, underscoring that Tulay was not exempt from the process.

In the face of mounting pressure and arguments from the committee, Cllr. Tulay eventually apologized, retracting his earlier position. He acknowledged that by attending the session, he was indeed participating in a confirmation hearing.

“Mr. Chair of the committee and honorable senators, I sincerely apologize for my actions today. For the fact that I am here and seated in this seat, it means I am here for my confirmation hearing,” Tulay stated.

He further promised to submit a written apology to the committee for their consideration.

Tags: Cllr. Emmanuel TulayConfirmation hearingLEC Board ChairLiberiaSenator Darius Dillon
ShareTweetSend
Blamo N. Toe

Blamo N. Toe

Next Post
Government urged to enforce Supreme Court order to evict CDC

Government urged to enforce Supreme Court order to evict CDC

Boakai Fulfills Only 3% of 119 Campaign Promises, Naymote Reports

Boakai Fulfills Only 3% of 119 Campaign Promises, Naymote Reports

Discussion about this post

Recommended

Liberian player Kouyateh joins Slovenian Club

Liberian player Kouyateh joins Slovenian Club

3 months ago
ULAA Condemns Acts of Lawlessness in Liberia

ULAA Condemns Acts of Lawlessness in Liberia

5 months ago

    Connect with us

    Home

    About Us

    Investigations

    News

    Politics

    Business 

    Editorial

    Contact Us

    Privacy Policy

    Advertise with us

    Stay updated with the latest news by subscribing to our WhatsApp Channel

    Click Here to Subscribe

    © 2024 THE LIBERIAN INVESTIGATOR, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement. 

    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • Investigations
    • News
      • National News
      • County News
      • Health
      • Environment
      • Human Interest
      • Press Release
      • Media
    • Politics
    • Business
    • Editorial
    • Commentary
    • Op-Ed
      • Opinions
      • Letters from the Editor
      • Letters to the Editor
    • Fact Checks
    • Lifestyle
      • Entertainment
    • Sports

    © 2023