MONROVIA – When Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) Director General Eugene Fahngon Wednesday, July 8 declared that “the senators are not gods,” he did more than challenge members of the Liberian Senate. His remarks transformed an ongoing dispute over legislative oversight into a wider national conversation about democracy, accountability, and freedom of expression.
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
The controversy follows a decision by the Liberian Senate to summon Civil Service Agency Director General Josiah Joekai and Rural and Renewable Energy Agency Director General Samuel Nagbe to appear before the Senate Committee of the Whole after lawmakers considered statements attributed to the two officials to be disrespectful toward the Legislature.
The action came after Bomi County Senator Edwin M. Snowe Jr. complained to the Senate, arguing that the officials should explain remarks allegedly directed at the institution. Senators subsequently agreed that both officials should appear before the Committee of the Whole to clarify their statements.
Members of the Senate defended their decision by emphasizing that while Liberia’s Constitution protects freedom of expression, public officials also have a duty to exercise responsibility and professionalism when speaking about constitutionally established institutions.
According to lawmakers, preserving the dignity of the Legislature is essential to maintaining confidence in democratic governance.
Fahngon, however, offered a sharply different interpretation. Using his podcast as a platform, the LBS Director General questioned whether criticizing senators could legally amount to contempt of the Legislature. Referring to Article 44 of the Constitution, he argued that legislative contempt involves actions that obstruct or interfere with the work of the Legislature rather than public criticism or disagreement.
According to Fahngon, expressing dissatisfaction with senators or questioning their conduct does not prevent lawmakers from carrying out their constitutional duties. Therefore, he argued, criticism alone should not become grounds for summoning government officials before the Senate.
“The senators are not gods, and no elected official is beyond criticism. Liberia’s Constitution protects the right of every citizen, including public officials, to speak freely. Disagreeing with the Senate is not the same as obstructing its work, and criticism should never be treated as a crime or an act of contempt,” he said.
Throughout the discussion, Fahngon maintained that public officials remain citizens first and do not lose their constitutional protections because they serve in government. He argued that no individual should face intimidation or threats over opinions expressed on matters affecting the country’s governance.
He added: “Article 44 is very clear about what constitutes contempt of the Legislature. Contempt involves actions that obstruct legislative functions, not opinions expressed on a podcast or criticism voiced by citizens. We must be careful not to confuse disagreement with disrespect or constitutional freedom with misconduct.”
Continuing, he said: “I will not be intimidated into silence because I accepted an appointment to serve my country. Public service does not require me to surrender my constitutional rights. If lawmakers believe in democracy, then they must also accept that accountability includes listening to criticism, even when it is uncomfortable.”
His declaration that senators are not above criticism has resonated across political circles, with supporters describing his comments as a defense of constitutional liberties and opponents arguing that his position risks undermining respect for the Legislature.
Fahngon also announced plans to organize what he described as a peaceful march involving ministers, directors-general, and officials from several government institutions to Capitol Hill.
According to him, the demonstration is intended to reinforce the principle that elected officials derive their authority from the people and should not place themselves beyond public scrutiny.
The planned march has added another political dimension to the dispute, signalling that the disagreement may extend beyond legal arguments into the arena of public opinion.
Meanwhile, Fahngon’s position has drawn visible support from other government officials.
Among them is Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation Managing Director Mohammed Ali, who published a Facebook post criticizing what he viewed as selective outrage within the Senate.
Ali argued that lawmakers have allowed serious allegations to be made against the First Family without demanding evidence, while reacting swiftly whenever criticism is directed at members of the Senate.
The public exchange has fuelled growing debate over whether Liberia’s democratic institutions are maintaining the proper balance between legislative oversight and constitutional freedoms.
As the Senate prepares to hear from the summoned officials, attention will not only focus on their testimony but also on the constitutional principles highlighted by Fahngon’s remarks.
