Representative Richard Koon, the Head of the Majority bloc in the divided House of Representatives, preaches unity and transparency as the House convenes here.
By Bridgett Milton
Monrovia, Liberia, January 14, 2024 – As the divided House of Representatives reconvenes here, the Speaker elected by the Majority bloc, Richard Nagbe Koon, is calling for unity and transparency in the House.
Speaking at the opening of the 2nd session of the 55th Legislature on Monday, January 13, in the Monrovia City Hall, Speaker Koon said it is time the House of Representatives rebuild trust with the Liberian people.
He recalls recent challenges faced by the 55th Legislature, including leadership impasse and an arson at the Capitol Building.
“The responsibility to promote peace, advance unity, and restore trust cannot be overemphasized”, Speaker Koon continues, and calls on fellow lawmakers to use the new session as a turning point, emphasizing a need for open dialogue, cooperation, and a commitment to the core values that bind Liberia together.
The legislative crisis, which saw the attempt to oust embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, has deeply shaken public confidence in the House of Representatives.
Koon openly admits that many Liberians remain disillusioned with their representatives, noting, “To be true to all of us here today, our people across the country don’t seem to be happy with us.”
At the same time, he is urging his colleagues to double their efforts to rebuild public trust through transparency and accountability.
Koon expresses gratitude for the passage of the 2025 national budget, amounting to $880.6 million, which he describes as a milestone in addressing critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and agriculture.
However, he highlights the importance of ensuring equitable distribution and effectively utilizing these resources to benefit the Liberians.
In a bid to modernize the legislative process, he proposes several reforms, including introduction of digital voting machines and a comprehensive website to provide real-time access to legislative proceedings.
Koon from President Boakai’s ruling Unity Party, calls for renaming committees to reflect broader mandates and enhancing financial audits as part of efforts to improve transparency and accountability.
He has also stressed a need to revisit critical legislative bills, particularly those addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, such as women, children, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities. He similarly wants renewed focus on Old Folks Bill and Disability Bill, two important legislative instruments to ensuring inclusivity in national policies.
“I urge [you] colleagues to prioritize electoral reforms to strengthen Liberia’s democracy and consider ways to include diaspora Liberians.”
His calls come at a time when the House of Representatives remains deeply divided, with supporters of embattled Speaker Koffa, led by Representative Musa Bility, vowing not to recognize the Koon’s Speakership but agreeing to join the majority bloc’s sessions. Editing by Jonathan Browne
