Rivercess County District #2 Representative Steve Tequah has strongly criticized the House of Representatives’ decision to approve 14 additional electoral districts, describing the move as “dubious, selective, and unfair” to several counties, including Rivercess. The lawmaker said the action lacked full legislative participation and failed to reflect national balance.
Rep. Tequah explained that although the House had quorum, such a significant national decision required the presence and input of all lawmakers. He revealed that he was attending a budget hearing for the Youth and Sports Committee—which he chairs—when the decision was taken on the floor. “A document of this magnitude should not be passed when some of us are absent for official duties,” he argued.
He further noted that the Constitution sets the ceiling for the House at 100 seats, and with the creation of the new districts, that ceiling has now been reached. However, Tequah questioned the fairness in the distribution, asking why not all counties received at least one district. “This was done based on political reasons. If we reached 100 seats, why leave some counties out?” he asked.
Rep. Tequah emphasized that Rivercess County deserves additional representation due to its vast landscape and the difficulties citizens face in accessing their lawmaker. He described the journey from Timo Bridge to the Cestos River as “too large” for a single representative to serve effectively. While population matters, he said, the heavy concentration of people in Monrovia is a result of the lack of basic services in rural areas. “Who will live in a place with no good school, no standard hospital, or even teachers in the classrooms?” he questioned.
The Rivercess lawmaker stated that the uneven allocation of new districts reflects political motivations rather than national interest. He called on the Liberian Senate to reject the bill, insisting it does not serve the Liberian people. “We are elected to work for the entire country, not a select few,” he said. As the Legislature prepares to close the session, Rep. Tequah urged his colleagues to focus on passing the national budget rather than rushing decisions that could have long-term consequences.
