Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah
Labour Minister Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah has clarified that he did not disregard the Liberian Senate for him to appear before its Plenary-the highest decision making body of that august body.
It can be recalled that recently, the Liberian Senate summoned Minister Kruah to explain why he should not be held in contempt for failing to provide crucial documents regarding the issuance of work permits to foreign nationals.
The decision was reached by the Senate Plenary following concerns raised by Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darious Dillon.
Lawmakers expressed frustration over the Minister’s repeated failure to submit the requested documents, viewing it as a disregard for the authority of the Senate and an obstacle to its oversight duties.
But in a statement issued in Monrovia over the weekend, Minister Kruah further clarified that the reason why he did not appear before the Liberian Senate was due to his engagement at the Cabinet Meeting held recently.
According to him, the Cabinet Meeting lasted for the most part of the day when he was asked to appear before the Plenary of the Liberia Senate.
He maintained that
his action was not deliberate as it is being perceived in some quarters.
‘’I have lots of respective for members of the Liberian Senate and as a minister I must obey their invitation when sent to me. The Liberian Senate is the House of Elders and there is no reason why their invitations sent to us-government officials must not be respected. I have promised to appear before the august body this week now that my assignment at the Cabinet Meeting, which prevented me not to appear before to them, is over,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Minister Kruah is expected to appear before the Senate Plenary this Thursday, accompanied by his legal representative to justify his actions.