Published: July 1, 2025
MONROVIA, Liberia — Business at the Liberian Senate came to a standstill Tuesday as lawmakers abruptly abandoned the Capitol without clear communication, leaving legislative staffers, reporters, and civil society observers waiting for hours — all while the Senators attended the reburial ceremony of former President William R. Tolbert, Jr.
The legislative session, which by the Senate’s Standing Rules is to begin at 11 a.m., failed to materialize as members of the Upper House reportedly made their way to the Centennial Pavilion in Central Monrovia for memorial activities related to Tolbert’s reburial.
Senate Resembles ‘Ghost Camp’ Under New Leadership
Observers say such unexplained absenteeism has become increasingly frequent since Grand Bassa County Sen. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence assumed the role of President Pro Tempore.
“The place looks like a ghost camp these days,” one visibly frustrated staffer remarked as they wandered the empty halls of the Capitol. “They come whenever they feel like it, and no one tells us anything.”
Secretary General: Senators at Memorial, But Details Unclear
Contacted for clarification, Senate Secretary General Nanborlor Singbeh confirmed the Senators were attending the reburial ceremony at the Pavilion.
“They signed the book of condolence yesterday,” Singbeh told The Liberian Investigator. “Today, they said they’re having the memorial service, even though I can’t authenticate that.”
His admission highlighted a glaring information gap at the highest level of the Senate’s administrative structure.
Staffers Blast Lawmakers for Neglect of Duty
Back at the Capitol, frustration among legislative staffers boiled over as they questioned the Senators’ priorities.
“The problem is they’ll show up at 2 or 3 p.m. in a rush, dragging people for hearings, but now they’re nowhere to be found,” one staffer vented.
Others expressed dismay that the Senators frequently abandon official plenary sessions for what they described as social events — including the now-infamous informal dinners referred to as “Sunday Way,” reportedly initiated by Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence inside her office.
“I think the program is done now; they should be heading for the repast,” another staffer speculated. “But from the look of things, they’re not coming back anytime soon.”
House of Representatives Carries On Despite Burial
In stark contrast, members of the House of Representatives proceeded with normal legislative business Tuesday, despite the ongoing reburial ceremony for Tolbert.
Unlike their Senate counterparts, House members maintained their constitutional responsibilities, holding discussions and carrying out plenary activities at the Capitol.
The Lower House’s decision to uphold its legislative duties while the Senate chamber remained idle has drawn further public scrutiny of the Senate’s growing absenteeism and what critics describe as a lack of accountability under its current leadership.
‘They’re Busy Burying Dead Bodies’
With no formal communication from Senate leadership, some staffers dismissed the lawmakers’ absence as yet another sign of misplaced priorities.
“My man, the people are busy burying dead bodies,” one frustrated staffer said, referring to the Senators’ reported trip to Bentol City, where Tolbert’s remains are being laid to rest.
Tuesday’s episode adds to mounting public criticism of the Senate’s sluggish pace and growing absenteeism, raising further questions about accountability and transparency within Liberia’s highest legislative chamber.
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