SPINELESS OPPOSITION LAWMAKERS" BOMI COUNTY SENATOR DESCRIBES COLLEAGUES FROM THE SENATE

Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe has strongly criticized his colleagues in the opposition bloc for what he described as their failure to exert firm oversight on the Executive Branch, despite holding majority seats in the Liberian Senate. Speaking on a talk show Tuesday, Senator Snowe accused several opposition senators of being “spineless” during plenary deliberations where, according to him, they should be holding the government accountable on key national issues. He referenced Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, Grand Bassa County Senator and Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karngar–Lawrence, and River Gee County Senator Jonathan Boy-Charles Sengbie, citing their past record of fiercely challenging the former CDC-led administration.

According to Snowe, the same level of assertiveness demonstrated during the previous government must now be applied to the Unity Party administration to ensure efficiency, accountability, and transparency, especially during confirmation hearings for appointed officials. He alleged that members of the Executive Branch have increasingly resorted to verbal attacks when opposition lawmakers raise critical concerns or question the government’s actions. “It is becoming very persistent,” Senator Snowe stressed. “Once you’re a member of the Legislature from the opposition and you raise a critical issue against the government, you’re insulted by officials from the Executive.”

The senator said such behavior undermines democratic governance and discourages robust legislative scrutiny, which he believes is essential for accountability. Meanwhile, Senator Snowe reaffirmed his strong position on the proposed US$1.2 billion national budget, vowing to vote against it if it fails to address the pressing economic challenges ordinary Liberians face and return to pre-harmonization status. He insisted that the budget must be centered on the bread-and-butter issues affecting citizens, including poor road networks, inadequate healthcare, limited agricultural support, and the persistently high cost of living.

“My friend, the Former President Weah failed, and that is why Liberians voted him out,” Snowe said during the live broadcast. “If people want to cuss me, I am used to it. But if the bread-and-butter issues of the Liberian people are ignored in the US$1.2 billion draft budget, I promise I will vote against it. Even if I am the only senator to do so, so be it.” He emphasized that the national budget should translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Liberians rather than being treated as a routine administrative document. “Our people are suffering. Prices are high, employment opportunities are few, and basic services remain a struggle,” he noted. “We cannot rubber-stamp a budget that does not effectively respond to these realities.”

Senator Snowe’s statements come as the Legislature begins reviewing the draft budget submitted by the Executive for the upcoming fiscal period. The budget will undergo committee scrutiny and public hearings before reaching the Senate floor for debate and passage. His remarks highlight what is shaping up to be a heated budget season, as lawmakers, civil society groups, and citizens continue demanding increased transparency and more meaningful allocations to sectors that directly impact livelihoods.

Author: James T.Worqua