MONROVIA – Representative Taa Z. K. Wongbe of Nimba County has expressed strong opposition to the House of Representatives’ recent decision to create additional districts, citing constitutional and governance concerns. While currently on regional duty with the ECOWAS Parliament in Nigeria, Wongbe made his position clear through a public statement emphasizing the importance of adherence to Liberia’s legal framework and the protection of citizens’ interests.
“Our Constitution is clear. Article 80 says the Legislature must set a population threshold based on the census,” Wongbe said. He noted that the threshold approved by the House does not strictly follow population data, even though it references the census, and warned that pre-assigning seats before the technical reapportionment is completed undermines the legal process.
Wongbe stressed that the technical work of mapping and adjusting districts is governed by election laws and long-standing national practices. He argued that bypassing these mechanisms places political considerations ahead of the law, creating potential inequities in representation and undermining trust in governance.
“This is why pre-assigning seats before the technical reapportionment is done raises constitutional and governance concerns. It puts political decisions ahead of the legal process,” Wongbe said. His comments underscore the tension between legislative action and constitutional requirements in Liberia’s current political landscape.
Highlighting the country’s economic challenges, Wongbe pointed to the declining presence of foreign aid. “Like the rest of the world, Liberia is going through a difficult time. Families are struggling. Schools, clinics, and farmers need support. With USAID gone, Sweden gone, and aid declining everywhere, this is the moment for Liberia to look inward, cut costs across government, and finally raise the salaries of our teachers, nurses, and frontline workers,” he said. Wongbe stressed that expanding government expenditures at this moment is ill-timed.
Wongbe also drew attention to proposed salary reforms for legislators, expressing support for a measure by Senator Abe Darius Dillon to cap legislative salaries at $5,000 per month. “Frankly, we should be taking proposals like Senator Dillon’s salary reduction more seriously; not adding new districts. I fully support Senator Dillon’s proposal,” Wongbe stated, framing fiscal discipline as a national priority over political expansion.
He reiterated his support for a population-based, transparent reapportionment process that strictly follows constitutional and census guidelines. “I also support a constitutional, transparent, population-based reapportionment process; one that follows the law, uses the census, and ensures every Liberian’s vote carries equal weight,” Wongbe said. His statement reflects concerns about both equity and fairness in the country’s electoral system.
Wongbe emphasized that all legislative decisions should be grounded in law, responsibility, and common sense. “Liberia deserves decisions grounded in law, responsibility, and common sense. That is the leadership I am committed to,” he said, reinforcing his commitment to principled governance and accountability.
