MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Maryland County Senator J. Gbleh-bo Brown has called for public hearings into the prolonged closure of the University of Liberia, accountability over allegations of drug-related activities involving senior government officials, and stricter scrutiny of nominees appearing before the Senate for confirmation.
Brown made the recommendations Thursday, October 15, during the opening of the third segment of the Senate’s session, outlining what he described as important issues requiring legislative attention.
Calls for Public Hearings on University Closure
Addressing the prolonged closure of the University of Liberia, Brown urged the Senate to take concrete and decisive action to restore the institution’s operations and address the recurring challenges affecting its stability.
He noted that many senators received their education at the university, underscoring its importance to the country’s educational system and national development.
Brown also emphasized that the Senate holds the chairmanship of the university’s Board of Trustees, arguing that the position carries an institutional responsibility to help resolve the university’s challenges.
He recommended public hearings involving university administrators, academics, relevant government officials and student leaders to establish the root causes of the institution’s recurring problems.
According to Brown, the hearings should focus on identifying lasting solutions that would place the university on a sustainable path toward stability, growth and development.
He urged the Senate to move beyond addressing immediate disruptions and pursue measures that could prevent repeated closures and provide a more stable learning environment for students.
Brown Seeks Accountability Over Drug Allegations
Brown also called on the Senate to remain engaged in Liberia’s fight against illicit drugs, particularly concerning what he described as selective justice in the enforcement of the law.
He stressed that all individuals must be treated equally under the law, regardless of their political affiliation, social standing or position in government.
The senator further called on the Inspector General of Police to account for a reported statement alleging that senior serving government officials were involved in the drug business.
Brown said the police chief should provide an explanation regarding the allegation, reinforcing the need for transparency and accountability in the country’s anti-drug efforts.
The statement provided by the senator did not identify the officials allegedly involved or present evidence supporting the claim. The allegation therefore requires independent verification and a response from the relevant authorities before any conclusions can be drawn.
Senator Cautions Against Confirming Poorly Performing Officials
Brown also reminded senators that confirmation hearings are a serious responsibility that should not be treated as a routine legislative exercise.
He argued that nominees must demonstrate competence, integrity and a record of satisfactory performance before receiving the Senate’s approval.
The senator specifically cautioned against approving individuals who had previously benefited from Senate confirmation but failed to perform adequately in their former positions and later returned seeking approval for new appointments.
“Confirmations are sacred and should not be treated lightly by the Senate,” Brown said.
He urged his colleagues to consider nominees’ previous records when evaluating their suitability for new responsibilities, emphasizing that legislative approval should reflect a careful assessment of competence and accountability.
Brown’s recommendations place the University of Liberia’s closure, fairness in drug enforcement and the Senate’s confirmation procedures among the issues requiring further attention as lawmakers resume their legislative work.
Brown Urges Senate Hearings on University Closure, Demands Accountability in Drug Fight
