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Speaker Koon Calls for Unity as 55th Legislature Resumes

Monrovia, Liberia – Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, addressing the official opening of the 1st Quarter of the 2nd Session of the 55th Legislature on January 13, 2025, issued a stirring appeal for unity, transparency, and accountability among lawmakers. In his remarks at the Capitol Building, Speaker Koon highlighted the need for collaboration to tackle Liberia’s pressing challenges and restore public confidence in the legislative process.

Reflecting on the constitutional obligations of the Legislature, the Speaker urged his colleagues to embrace their responsibilities with renewed vigor, emphasizing the necessity of collective effort in serving the nation. He called for open dialogue and bipartisan cooperation, asserting that such an approach was essential for fostering national unity and addressing the needs of the Liberian people.

Acknowledging recent difficulties, including a leadership impasse in the House of Representatives and a devastating fire that damaged the Joint Chambers, Speaker Koon stressed the importance of resilience and cohesion. “These events remind us of the critical need to promote peace and unity while rebuilding trust among ourselves and with the public,” he said, urging lawmakers to prioritize national interests over personal or partisan agendas.

The Speaker commended the recent passage of the 2025 National Budget, totaling $880,661,874, which he described as a significant step in Liberia’s development journey. He praised its focus on vital sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and sanitation, stressing the importance of equitable resource allocation to drive economic growth and improve service delivery. “This budget is a tool for progress, and its effective implementation will create opportunities for all Liberians,” he noted.

Highlighting Liberia’s role on the regional and global stage, Speaker Koon reiterated the country’s commitment to strengthening ties with ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Pan-African Parliament. He announced plans for an experience-sharing initiative with Ghana aimed at enhancing legislative capacity and fostering closer bilateral relations. “Engaging with international parliamentary networks will amplify Liberia’s voice in global discussions and enhance our influence,” he said.

A recurring theme in the address was the urgent need to rebuild public trust in the Legislature. Speaker Koon acknowledged widespread dissatisfaction among citizens and outlined a vision centered on transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Proposed reforms included the introduction of digital voting systems, the launch of a comprehensive legislative website for real-time updates, and regular financial audits to ensure accountability.

The Speaker also emphasized the importance of professional development for lawmakers and their staff, proposing assessments to identify gaps and implement tailored capacity-building programs. He stressed the value of engaging directly with constituents, announcing plans for lawmakers to visit three counties during the current session to address citizens’ concerns firsthand.

Turning to legislative priorities, Speaker Koon urged a focus on critical bills aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities. He also called for electoral reforms to bolster democratic processes and advocated for greater inclusion of Liberians in the diaspora, acknowledging their pivotal role in national development.

In his concluding remarks, Speaker Koon called on lawmakers to seize the moment to transform the Legislature into a symbol of hope and integrity. “The road ahead may be challenging, but it offers us the opportunity to build a legacy that future generations will admire and emulate,” he said.

Zac T. Sherman
Zac T. Shermanhttps://verityonlinenews.com/
Zac Tortiamah Sherman has over a decade of media experience with several certificates in journalism and leadership. He has served as a broadcaster, reporter, and news editor. Zac is a graduating senior for a BBA degree in Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Liberia.

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