MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Nathaniel McGill, has sharply reacted to critics over the nomination of Madam Davidetta Brown-Lansanah as Chairperson of the National Election Commission (NEC).
Some critics have so far described Madam Brown-Lansanah’s nomination as NEC Chairman as unconstitutional.
But, Minister McGill said Madam Brown-Lansanah’s nomination by the President was not a constitutional breach despite her earlier nomination and confirmation by the Senate in her previous position.
He spoke Wednesday, July 15, 2020 in an interview with ELBC at his residence in Paynesville.
According to him, the constitutiondoes not compel anyone holding a tenure position to resign before going through the process of confirmation for position nominated for, as in the case with the NEC Chairperson-designate.
Meanwhile, Minister McGill has refuted claims by former Liberia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Lewis Brown, that the appointment of Madam Brown-Lansanah undermines the autonomous status of the Elections Commission.
Minister McGill described such assertion as a flaw intended to misquote the constitutionality of the President’s appointing power.
Meanwhile, Minister McGill said the Government of Liberia has expressed optimism that the construction of major roads linking Nimba, Grand Gedeh to Maryland County will be 80% completed before the end of the first term of President George Weah.
He said Government has also announced that the expansion of the RIA Highway Road will begin this year and hopefully completed before the end of 2023.
Minister McGill said currently, modalities are being worked out by the Government to begin the construction of major corridors in Southeastern Liberia.
According to him, Government’s road development projects across the Country are on course despite the current corona virus outbreak.
An Audio of The Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Nathaniel McGill’s reaction to public debate on NEC Chair designate!