A public call for transparency is gaining attention in southeastern Liberia after Sunday Heagbetus, a citizen of Grand Gedeh County, urged Senator Zoe E. Pennue published a comprehensive account of his legislative and development record spanning two decades in public office.
In a formal statement addressed to residents of the county, Heagbetus framed his appeal as a matter of democratic responsibility rather than political rivalry, as early discussions surrounding Liberia’s 2029 senatorial elections began to surface.
“Leadership is not ownership. Leadership is stewardship,” Heagbetus said.
Senator Pennue served approximately 15 years as Representative of Tchien District before completing five years in the Liberian Senate, totaling about 21 years in elected office as of 2026.
Heagbetus argued that such an extended period of public service should be accompanied by clear documentation of legislative achievements, constituency development outcomes, and the utilization of public resources.
“In any serious-minded and functioning democracy, such an extensive period of public service must be accompanied by a very clear, documented record of legislative performance, constituency development outcomes, and utilization of public resources appropriated in the name of the people,” he stated.
Heagbetus, who describes himself as an economist and public policy professional within Liberia’s development planning framework and a former Secretary General of the Grand Gedeh University Students Union, emphasized that his appeal is centered on accountability.
“This is not about personalities. This is about performance. This is not about mere politics. This is about public accountability,” he said.
Grand Gedeh County, with an estimated population of more than 200,000 people, was described in the statement as home to many qualified and visionary individuals capable of contributing to its development.
Heagbetus stressed that democratic choices should be guided by measurable results rather than political sentiment.
He formally requested that Senator Pennue publish a detailed public report covering the period from 2006 to 2026.
The proposed report, he said, should outline legislative initiatives sponsored or supported, development projects initiated across the county, the utilization of constituency support funds—including recent appropriations—scholarships or capacity-building opportunities facilitated for young people, and a forward-looking development agenda.
“As citizens, we have both the fundamental right and the responsibility to make informed decisions about our leadership based on transparent records of service delivery,” Heagbetus said.
He concluded with a broader call for civic engagement, stating: “Grand Gedeh deserves accountable leadership. Grand Gedeh deserves measurable development. Grand Gedeh deserves informed democratic choices.”
Senator Pennue had not publicly responded to the request at the time of publication.
