Senate Probes Sando Johnson

By Jackson C. Clay, Jr.

-Over Several Allegations

The plenary of the Liberian Senate has mandated its committees on Rules, order and Administration and Claims, petitions, Human Rights and Judiciary to probe one of its members, Senator Sando Johnson of Bomi County over several allegations.

The plenary which is the highest decision-making body of the Liberian Senate reached the decision Thursday, April 4, 2019 in its regular session on Capitol Hill in Monrovia.

The Senate’s decision to probe Senator Johnson was triggered by a communication filed to the plenary by Senate’s Pro-Tempore and Senator of Grand Kru County, Albert Chie.

According to Pro-Temp Chie’s communication, he wants his colleague investigated on six counts ranging from the exposing of simple ballots used in the recent impeachment of former Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh to bribery on the part of the Liberian Senate.

“I request that the plenary of the Liberian Senate authorizes its committee on Judiciary to initiate the following investigations: the appearance of the simple verdict form for the impeachment trial of former Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh in the public sphere after it was discussed in executive and the conduct of Senator Sando Johnson as with accusing the Liberian Senate of receiving bribe to impeach former Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh,” Senator Chie’s communication noted.

Senate Pro-Temp Chie’s communication quotes him as saying that he also wants Senator Johnson be probed for accusing him and jury secretary, Senator Henry Yallah of ballots tampering during the voting process at the end of the impeachment trial of former Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh.

He continued in his communication that the Bomi County Senator should also be investigated for what he, Pro-Temp Chie considers as disrespecting the Senate Pro-Tempore and the Liberian Senate at large by allegedly using profane languages and invectives in the chartroom of the Liberian Senate.

“All of the behavioral actions by Senator Sando Johnson contravened the Senate Standing Rules and any other Senator involved in the exposure to the public of Senate discussions held in executive also breaches the rules of the Liberian Senate,” Pro-Temp Chie’s communication added.

Rule 53 of the Liberian Senate own standing rues states that “Any Senator or Officer of the Senate who shall disclose the secret of confidential business or proceedings of the Senate shall be liable; if a Senator, he/she shall be censured by the Body; and if an officer, he/she shall be disciplined and punished for contempt.”

Meanwhile, the two committees are given a week to probe the Bomi County Senator and report back to full plenary for further action if necessary.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.