By Our Reporter | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – The House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, convened the first-day sitting of its 2nd Quarter of the 3rd Session of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, setting the stage for a busy legislative period marked by proposed law amendments, oversight requests, and major communications from lawmakers and the Executive Branch.
The session officially opened with routine procedures, including a call to order, opening prayer, roll call, adoption of the agenda, and reading of the previous day’s journal, before moving into critical legislative and administrative matters that dominated plenary discussions.
A key highlight of the sitting was the presentation of two discharge petitions aimed at accelerating legislative action on pending bills. The first was submitted by Hon. Jerry K. Yogboh Sr. of Montserrado County District #12, seeking to bring to the floor a bill titled “An Act to Amend Sections 5.1 and 5.2 of the National Code of Conduct.” The second petition came from Hon. Anthony F. Williams of Maryland County District #2, calling for the discharge of a major tax reform proposal titled “An Act to Amend and Restate Sections 16, 200, 201, and 205 of the Consolidated Tax Amendment to the Revenue Code of Liberia (2000), as amended, to adjust personal income tax thresholds and reform the investment incentive regime.”
Lawmakers also introduced new legislative proposals and motions, including a communication from Hon. Rugie Yatu Barry of Montserrado County District #1, seeking consideration for amendments to the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority Act, signaling continued attention to reforms in the agricultural sector.
Under “Business on the Speaker’s Desk,” several important national issues were tabled for legislative review and possible action. Among them was a formal communication from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai informing lawmakers of his official travel to Nairobi, Kenya, from May 9 to 13, 2026, where he is expected to attend the “Africa Forward” summit.
Oversight concerns also featured prominently during the sitting. Hon. Prince Toles of Montserrado District #8 urged plenary to summon the Managing Director of the Liberia Electricity Corporation to account for the ongoing electricity shortages affecting the country. The call reflects growing public frustration over unstable power supply in Monrovia and surrounding communities.
In another development, Hon. Prescilla Abram Cooper of Montserrado District #5 requested that the House invite Ambassador-at-Large Sheikh Moustapha Kouyateh to clarify alleged remarks made on OK FM, in which he reportedly claimed that members of the Legislature received bribes linked to European concession agreements signed by government. The matter is expected to generate significant political debate if formally taken up by plenary.
Lawmakers also pressed for accountability in the concessions and investment sector. Hon. Anthony Williams of Maryland County called for the appearance of the National Investment Commission and the National Bureau of Concessions to provide detailed reports on agreements involving the Cavalla Rubber Corporation and Maryland Oil Palm Plantation, two major agricultural investments in southeastern Liberia.
Similarly, Hon. J. Clarence T. Banks of Grand Bassa County District #2 requested the invitation of Mr. Herbert Y. Soper, Director General for Central Africa Business Development Global Tracking and Maritime Solutions, to respond to questions relating to business operations and engagements in Liberia.
Attention was also drawn to national infrastructure concerns, as Hon. Jacob Cheategba Debee II of Grand Gedeh County District #3 sought clarity on the status of the Pan African Plaza building, a project whose progress and ownership status have been subjects of public interest.
In another oversight move, Hon. Nehker E. Gaye of Nimba County District #3 called for the Minister of Local Government to appear before plenary to present detailed plans on the harmonization of cities and townships, an initiative linked to decentralization and local governance reforms.
Meanwhile, Hon. Marie Johnson of Grand Gedeh County District #2 submitted two separate communications: one appealing to President Boakai regarding concerns affecting Liberians residing in South Africa, and another requesting permission for an official district engagement tour scheduled from May 11 to 25, 2026.
The session also included a request from Hon. Isaac B. Choloplay Wuo of River Gee County District #2 seeking a two-week leave of absence from May 12 to 29, 2026, to attend the burial ceremony of Chief James Pa Saye in River Gee County.
