Nimba County Senator Samuel G. Kogar has faulted the House of Representatives for passing legislation to create fourteen additional electoral districts, arguing that the move is unconstitutional and exceeds the authority of the National Legislature.
He has urged the Liberian Senate not to concur with the House’s action, warning that it could threaten constitutional governance and the credibility of the electoral process.
Senator Kogar made the remarks while presenting his constituency break report before the Senate, during which he conveyed concerns and directives from residents of Nimba County.
According to the senator, the Constitution does not empower the Legislature to unilaterally create electoral districts; rather, it authorizes lawmakers to establish population thresholds upon which any future redistricting must be based.
“My understanding of the Constitution is that the Legislature’s role is to set the threshold, not to create electoral districts,” Kogar stated.
He added that his constituents have mandated him to challenge the legality of the House’s decision and to ensure that the Senate conducts a thorough review before reaching any conclusion.
Reflecting on his activities during the Christmas and New Year recess, Senator Kogar said he visited several communities across Nimba County, including Electoral Districts #4 and #5, to engage citizens, assess development priorities, and pay tribute to the legacies of deceased leaders.
He disclosed that in one community, steps were taken to construct a building in honor of a former lawmaker whose service left a lasting impression.
As part of the initiative, he said 200 bags of cement and cash assistance were donated to support the start of the project.
Similar outreach activities were conducted in his hometown and surrounding areas, where development initiatives such as the construction of a central hall remain ongoing, with renewed commitments to see them completed.
Returning to the issue of electoral demarcation, Senator Kogar said reports from colleagues in the House regarding the passage of the bill raised serious constitutional and operational concerns among his constituents.
He emphasized that any adjustment to electoral boundaries must be based on credible census data and guided strictly by law.
The senator noted that population figures from the most recent national census conducted by the Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) should inform any decision on the creation of additional districts.
He added that the public is keen to understand the official interpretation and application of the census results, which should serve as the foundation for redistricting.
Senator Kogar also expressed concern over chieftaincy matters, particularly the appointment of traditional leaders by the Executive, which he described as a “clear violation” of the Constitution.
He argued that issues related to traditional leadership should be addressed in line with the law and with greater legislative involvement to promote legitimacy and local stability.
He further referenced the ongoing transition of the Ministry of Internal Affairs into a Local Government framework, noting that the implementation of the Local Government Act presents an opportunity to decentralize authority, strengthen local governance, and enhance revenue generation nationwide.
According to him, effective execution of the law could boost grassroots economic activity and reduce excessive centralization.
However, Senator Kogar cautioned that without adequate constitutional protections and legislative oversight, local officials may continue to serve under the threat of arbitrary dismissal, which could hinder effective governance and service delivery.
The Nimba County senator called on lawmakers to collectively uphold the Constitution and act in the best interest of the Liberian people.
Describing himself as among the youngest members of the Senate, he pledged openness to collaboration and bipartisan engagement.
“Our doors are open to work together to bring about the change demanded by the Liberian people,” Kogar said, while extending seasonal greetings and appreciation to his colleagues for their continued efforts in national leadership.
