Normal confirmation hearing on Thursday was characterized by drama and compromise when the entire Senate Standing Committee on Internal Affairs overwhelmingly embraced Internal Affairs Minister-designate Blamo Nelson for the position.

Traditional leaders, chiefs and elders representing the 15 counties jam-packed the Senate chamber to grace the conformation of Blamo Nelson, now dubbed “Nang-Sumo” following his graduation last weekend from Poro in Gbondoi, Bong County.

Immediately after Mr. Nelson swore on the Holy Bible in preparation for his testimony, the conformation panel headed by Sen. John Whitefield Jr. (Grand Bassa) asked Chief Zanzan Karwar, head of the traditional council of Liberia, to perform a ritual before the committee began its work.

Chief Karwar presented 15 kola nuts to the committee’s Co-chair Sen. Isaac Nyenabo (Grand Gedeh) for onward submission to Sen. Whitefield. Chief Karwar’s presentation was characterized by series of rituals followed by traditional songs and signs to which none members of the Poro society are blind.

Observers described the unusual activities as unprecedented during conformation hearings at the Senate over the years.

The Senators received, accepted and took bites of the cola nuts in acknowledgement of the dignity and authority of Liberia’s traditional leaders.

“According to tradition, when you receive a token of cola nuts from your elders, it means you must accept them with your whole heart. But for those of you who don’t understand tradition, we will proceed with comments and few questions so that the press will not leave from here and carry different headlines tomorrow,” Sen. Whitefield explained.

He assured the nominee: “People come here and leave with worries as to whether they would be confirmed. But as for you, you need to relax and know that all is well”.

Sen. Whitefield, however, asked Mr. Nelson to make a declaration for the good of the entire citizenry.

The nominee said: “I have come to receive your approbation because I have no doubt that you will agree with the President, that I, Nang-Sumo, known to many of you as Blamo Nelson, should serve as the minister of internal affairs of our country at this time.”

“Mr. chairman and members of this august committee, I stand here to tell you that my mind, my spirit, and my body are ready, willing, and prepared to execute these functions,” he added.

All comments from the Senate panel contained praises and endorsement for Mr. Nelson, assuring him that he already has their support to be confirmed.

Nevertheless, questions from few dissenting senators to the nominee were quickly deferred to committee room for closed-door deliberations.

“On behalf of Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, and Bomi counties, I can assure you that you will get our vote at plenary,” Sen. Lahai Lassana (Bomi) later said.

Senator Peter Coleman (Grand Kru), who defeated Blamo Nelson in the last legislative elections, quickly added upon the support from those southwestern counties.

He said: “The people of Grand Kru are happy to hear that their son has been nominated by President Sirleaf to serve as internal affairs minister; receive our blessing Blamo, and we know you can do the job.”