By Archie Boan
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, has called on members of the 55th Legislature to put aside political partisanship and work in the interest of national unity and progress as the House commenced the third and final quarter of its second session.
Delivering his special opening remarks at the Capitol Building in Monrovia on Friday, Speaker Koon reminded his colleagues that the people of Liberia are watching and that history will judge the Legislature not by its divisions, but by its collective service to the nation.
“Let us work not as partisans, but as patriots. Let us debate vigorously, but respectfully. Let us disagree, but never be divided,” Speaker Koon emphasized. “Our collective actions in these chambers will define the kind of country we leave behind for the next generation.”
The Speaker’s statement comes at a time when public discourse has increasingly centered on political alignment and loyalty within the Legislature. He cautioned members to remain focused on the core responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight, and representation, rather than political maneuvering.
Koon noted that the 55th Legislature bears a historic duty to restore public trust and demonstrate that lawmakers can rise above party lines to deliver for the people. He said, “The Liberian people look to this Legislature for leadership that is honest, courageous, and united.”
During his remarks, Speaker Koon also commended lawmakers for their performance during the second quarter, citing the passage of key legislative instruments and strengthened collaboration with the Executive and Judiciary branches. He, however, warned that the final quarter would be an “intense period of legislative activity” and urged members to remain diligent and united in purpose.
He further highlighted ongoing reforms within the Legislature, including the completion of the refurbished main chamber of the House, which he described as a “symbol of the modern, functional, and accountable Legislature that we aspire to build.”
On the forthcoming National Budget, Speaker Koon called for a nonpartisan approach to deliberations, urging lawmakers to focus on issues that directly impact citizens’ lives particularly health, education, and aviation. “The budget is not just a financial document,” he stressed. “It is a reflection of our values and priorities as a nation.”
Koon also called on committees to expedite work on pending bills, including the New Elections Law and the National Old Folks and Amended Disability Acts, which he said are essential for inclusive governance and social protection.
As the House resumes its legislative business, Speaker Koon concluded with a renewed appeal for unity and patriotism, saying:
“Together, let us ensure that when the curtain falls on this second session, the people of Liberia will say with pride that their Representatives stood for them, spoke for them, and served them well.”
