The return of the Liberian Legislature for its second session on January 13, 2025, marks an opportunity for lawmakers to reset their focus. Yet, it is impossible to ignore the chaos that defined the first session, a period riddled with infighting, stalemates, and distractions from the critical responsibilities entrusted to them. While the Senate may have been spared direct involvement in the turbulence, the ripple effects of a dysfunctional House of Representatives were felt across the entire Legislature, leaving the Liberian people with little to show for their elected officials’ efforts.
The protracted conflict, stemming from disagreements over leadership in the House of Representatives, served as a glaring reminder of the dangers of prioritizing political gamesmanship over governance. While Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s position hangs in the balance and factional alliances continue to shift, the underlying question remains: when will the Legislature act decisively in the interest of the suffering masses?
Liberia is grappling with myriad challenges: a faltering economy, rampant corruption, crumbling infrastructure, and widespread poverty. Each day that lawmakers spend embroiled in internal disputes rather than addressing these pressing issues deepens the hardships faced by ordinary Liberians. The Legislature’s role as the primary body for enacting laws, approving budgets, and ensuring governmental accountability is too vital to be compromised by personal vendettas and power struggles.
The decision to forego the customary guest and lunch for the session’s opening may be symbolic of a more subdued approach, but symbolism alone is insufficient. Action is what the Liberian people demand, action that demonstrates a genuine commitment to solving the problems that have plagued the nation for far too long. The scars of the previous session are fresh, and lawmakers must move forward with renewed vigor and a clear sense of purpose.
This session offers lawmakers the chance to redefine their legacy. It is not enough to merely show up to Capitol Hill; they must work collaboratively to draft, debate, and pass policies that improve the lives of their constituents. Public service is not a platform for self-promotion or a stepping stone for political retribution. It is a sacred duty to represent the people who entrusted them with their votes, many of whom struggle daily to meet basic needs.
The Legislature must also recognize that hunting political opponents or engaging in retaliatory maneuvers does not advance national development. Liberia’s democracy is undermined when its representatives prioritize political rivalries over national interest. Accountability and justice are crucial but must be pursued within a framework that respects the rule of law, not through personal vendettas or partisan witch-hunts.
Liberians deserve legislators who champion their interests. This means tackling corruption with transparency, addressing unemployment with sustainable policies, ensuring adequate healthcare, and improving education. It also means holding the executive branch accountable while avoiding unnecessary brinkmanship that stalls progress.
As the second session unfolds, lawmakers must ask themselves: Are we serving Liberia or ourselves? The answer should guide every decision they make in the coming months. The time for excuses, delays, and distractions has passed. It is time to rebuild trust and deliver results for the Liberian people, who are tired of waiting for promises to materialize into meaningful change.
The weight of Liberia’s future rests on the shoulders of its Legislature. The path forward requires unity, determination, and a focus on the common good. Anything less is a betrayal of the very people they swore to serve.
