– As the 2nd Session of the 55th National Legislature Resumes
CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA – In an address marking the official opening of the First Quarter of the 2nd Session of the 55th Legislature, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon emphasized the need for unity, transparency, and a renewed commitment to serving the Liberian people. Delivering his speech on Monday, January 13, 2025, the Speaker acknowledged the weight of his historic responsibility while urging his colleagues to rise above past challenges and seize the opportunity to redefine the Legislature’s path.
By Socrates Smythe Saywon
“It is with a profound sense of honor, duty, and commitment that I stand before you today,” said Speaker Koon. “This is an important moment for all of us to reaffirm our dedication to serving our people and our country with a patriot’s heart. Together, we can strengthen our unity, uphold our values, and execute our responsibilities in the best interest of the Motherland.”
The Speaker reflected on recent challenges, including a leadership impasse within the House of Representatives and the devastating fire that damaged the Joint Chambers. He described these events as stark reminders of the Legislature’s critical role in promoting peace, advancing unity, and restoring public trust. He urged his colleagues to prioritize open dialogue and cooperation to address differences and align collective efforts for the greater good of Liberia’s 73 districts.
Speaker Koon highlighted the enactment of the 2025 Financial Budget, amounting to $880,661,874, as a significant milestone. The budget, he said, prioritizes essential sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and water and sanitation. He underscored the Legislature’s responsibility to ensure these resources are distributed equitably and utilized effectively to bring meaningful benefits to the Liberian people.
“Through this budget, we aim to foster economic growth, improve service delivery, enhance social infrastructure, and create opportunities for all Liberians,” he said. “Our collective duty is to ensure that these priorities are translated into tangible outcomes.”
Turning to Liberia’s role on the international stage, Speaker Koon stressed the importance of strengthening relationships with regional and global partners. He announced plans to expand engagement with organizations such as ECOWAS and the African Union, as well as fostering bilateral relationships, including a forthcoming experience-sharing initiative with Ghana’s Parliament.
The Speaker also addressed the pressing need to restore public trust in the Legislature, acknowledging widespread dissatisfaction among Liberians. He proposed a series of reforms, including introducing digital voting machines, creating a comprehensive website for real-time access to legislative proceedings, and renaming committees to reflect broader mandates. These measures, he argued, would enhance transparency and accountability while modernizing the Legislature’s operations.
“Transparency and inclusivity are the cornerstones of our efforts,” Speaker Koon declared. “By embracing these principles, we can rebuild trust and demonstrate our commitment to serving the Liberian people effectively.”
To further enhance the Legislature’s effectiveness, the Speaker called for increased investment in the professional development of members and staff. He proposed a comprehensive needs assessment to identify critical gaps and tailor capacity-building programs accordingly. He also emphasized the importance of regular engagement with citizens, pledging to visit three counties during the session to gather firsthand insights from constituents.
Speaker Koon also highlighted the need to revisit critical legislative bills addressing the welfare of vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities. He advocated for reforms to strengthen Liberia’s democracy, particularly electoral reforms and greater inclusion of diaspora Liberians in national development.
“Our diaspora brothers and sisters have never given up on us,” he said. “Their contributions are immense, and it is high time we find ways to include and accommodate them in our legislative processes.”
In his closing remarks, Speaker Koon called on his colleagues to embrace the challenges ahead as opportunities to transform the Legislature into a beacon of hope and integrity. He urged them to build a legacy of service that future generations would admire and emulate.
“The road ahead is not without challenges, but it is also filled with great opportunities,” he concluded. “Let us seize this moment to build a brighter future for Liberia.”
