-Summons Key Officials
By Jerromie S. Walters
The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Justice, the Director-General of the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to appear before its joint committees on Gender, Health, Judiciary, and National Security. The summons is in response to a deeply troubling case involving a 15-year-old boy who was allegedly sodomized by a former NSA agent and two other individuals.
The summoned officials are required to provide a comprehensive status report on the case, including critical updates on the whereabouts of the alleged perpetrators and the specific actions taken to ensure a transparent and expeditious delivery of justice.
Plenary’s decisive action was prompted by a formal communication from Ernest Manseah Sr., Representative of Nimba County Electoral District #4, who brought the matter to the attention of the august body.
According to Representative Manseah, the case has been a source of sustained public outrage for over two months. Citizens and civil society organizations have expressed growing concern over the slow pace of justice and a perceived lack of a coordinated institutional response. The lawmaker detailed the mother’s repeated appeals, which allege critical neglect by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and a failure by the Ministry of Justice to ensure a speedy trial and consistent follow-up on the case.
In a distressing update to Plenary, Representative Manseah revealed that the child remains in critical condition at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK). He further disclosed that the hospital has reportedly advised the family to take the child home due to mounting unpaid medical bills, despite the life-threatening nature of his condition.
In light of these grave developments, Plenary has mandated the joint committees to conduct a thorough investigation and report their findings within one week. The House firmly emphasized that the safety of children, the accountability of state institutions, and the swift administration of justice are non-negotiable priorities.
In a separate but equally significant matter, the House of Representatives has mandated its Joint Committee on Labor, National Security, and Judiciary to investigate allegations of unfair labor practices against AFCON, an outsourced company operating under the auspices of ArcelorMittal in Nimba County.
The investigation follows a communication from Representatives Nyan G. Flomo and Nehker E. Gaye of Nimba County Electoral Districts Two and Three, respectively. The lawmakers drew Plenary’s attention to an urgent public concern regarding AFCON’s labor practices, which culminated in a public demonstration by aggrieved workers on Wednesday, February 18, 2025. The situation reportedly escalated, necessitating the intervention of the Liberia National Police to restore calm and order.
As direct representatives of the affected districts, Representatives Flomo and Gaye expressed profound concern for the welfare of their constituents, the protection of workers’ rights, and the maintenance of peace and stability in their communities. They underscored that while industrial operations are vital for national development and local employment, all concession-related activities must strictly adhere to the labor laws and regulations of the Republic of Liberia.
To facilitate a comprehensive inquiry, Plenary has requested the Ministry of Labor to provide a detailed report, including:
– The specific nature of the allegations against AFCON.
– Findings from any investigations conducted or currently underway.
– The company’s compliance status with Liberian labor laws and regulations.
– A full account of the circumstances surrounding the workers’ demonstration and the subsequent police intervention.
Furthermore, the House has requested the Ministry to outline both immediate and long-term mitigation measures taken or proposed to:
– Address the grievances of the affected workers.
– Prevent further escalation of tensions.
– Ensure sustainable and lawful labor practices within the concession area.
The Ministry of Labor is also expected to detail steps being taken to strengthen its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent future occurrences. The Ministry has been summoned to appear before the appropriate committee or full Plenary within a reasonable timeframe to provide clarity and assurance to the Legislature and the people of Nimba County.
In a move to bolster local governance, the House of Representatives has concurred with the Liberian Senate on six engrossed bills pertaining to the creation of new administrative districts and townships in Lofa County. Plenary took this decision on Thursday during its 12th Day Sitting of the First Quarter of the Third Session, following deliberations on the Senate’s communication of concurrence.
The bills, which now await the President’s signature, are entitled:
1. An Act to Create the Lower Worcor Administrative District within Lofa County
2. An Act to Create the Zogonyamai Administrative District within Lofa County
3. An Act to Create the Township of Tubungaizue in Voinjama Administrative District
4. An Act to Create the Township of Kpangbalamai in Lower Worcor Administrative District
5. An Act to Create the Township of Kpakazzie in Zogonyamai Administrative District, Lofa County
6. An Act to Create the Township of Kpakamai in Lofa County
Following Plenary’s concurrence, the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives has been instructed to formally communicate this decision to the Liberian Senate for the final transmission of the bills to the President of the Republic of Liberia for enactment into law. The House of Representatives reaffirms its dedication to strengthening local governance, improving administrative access, and promoting inclusive and balanced development across all of Liberia.
