MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Matthew Nyanplu, leader of the Proposed Party for the People, has launched a scathing critique of Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh, accusing him of contradicting his own calls for legislative independence from the executive branch. In a statement issued Tuesday, January 7, 2025, titled “Senator, We Must Be True to Ourselves and Help Our Country”, Nyanplu questioned Konneh’s actions and challenged his commitment to reforming the legislature’s role.
Nyanplu began by addressing Konneh’s recent remarks in which the senator described the legislature as “largely an extension of the executive.” While agreeing with the observation, Nyanplu argued that Konneh himself has contributed to this dynamic. He cited Konneh’s call for House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa to resign in the name of national unity, describing it as an unconstitutional move that serves the interests of the executive. “Koffa is the legitimate Speaker of the House, and any other conduct is lawless and unconstitutional,” Nyanplu stated.
The opposition leader also criticized Konneh’s handling of the controversy surrounding the academic credentials of the Foreign Minister-designate. Nyanplu accused Konneh of facilitating the confirmation process by publicly defending the nominee despite alleged misrepresentations on her curriculum vitae. He argued that such actions compromise the integrity of the legislature and reinforce its reputation as a mere “rubber stamp” for the executive.
Further, Nyanplu took aim at the Senate’s recognition of the so-called “majority bloc” in the House of Representatives, calling it an unconstitutional decision that undermines the legislature’s own rules. He claimed that Konneh has actively participated in a Senate that, in his view, has repeatedly shirked its constitutional responsibilities.
On the recently passed national budget, Nyanplu expressed grave concerns, warning that its approval could lead to impeachment proceedings against President Joseph Boakai if signed into law. He accused Konneh and the Senate of endorsing a budget that he described as illegal, thereby eroding public trust in Liberia’s democratic institutions.
Nyanplu further criticized the Senate’s record under Konneh’s tenure, highlighting its failure to reject any of the president’s nominees. “Show a contrary record,” Nyanplu challenged, suggesting that the Senate’s blanket approval of executive appointees underscores its lack of independence and accountability.
In his concluding remarks, Nyanplu called on Konneh and other lawmakers to adopt a more principled approach to governance in the new year. He urged Konneh to take bold and unpopular stands in defense of the truth and the rule of law, even at the risk of personal or political consequences. “We all must account for making our public institutions rubber stamps,” Nyanplu said, emphasizing that true reform requires breaking away from partisan and executive influence.
Nyanplu’s statement ended with a plea for accountability and a commitment to democratic values. “Be different. Stand for something even if that makes you unpopular. Stay on the side of truth and the law,” he urged.
