MONROVIA – Speaker of the House of Representatives Richard Nagbe Koon has rallied members of the 55th Legislature to recommit themselves to unity, diligence, and service to the Liberian people as the body opened the third and final quarter of its second session on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Capitol Building in Monrovia.
Addressing lawmakers, legislative staff, members of the media, and the public, Speaker Koon welcomed his colleagues back from their constituency break and expressed confidence that their time away was fruitful. “I trust that the time away was productive and that you reconnected with your people, listened to their concerns, and returned reenergized for the great task of national service before us,” he said.
Reflecting on the Legislature’s recent work, Speaker Koon noted that the second quarter brought both challenges and progress. He praised lawmakers for the passage of key instruments aligned with the country’s vision for national renewal and for strengthening legislative oversight. “For these collective strides, I say: well done, colleagues,” Koon commended.
The Speaker highlighted the ongoing refurbishment of the main chamber of the House of Representatives as a major achievement. He described the project as “a testament to our commitment to restore dignity, order, and pride to the people’s House,” emphasizing that it is not merely a cosmetic change but a signal of a modern and accountable Legislature.
He also urged lawmakers to set the right example in upholding institutional standards, including adhering to basic protocols such as displaying legislative license plates on official vehicles. “This may seem small, but it speaks volumes about our respect for institutional order and helps avoid unnecessary embarrassment with state security operatives,” Speaker Koon cautioned.
Turning to legislative reform, the Speaker called on the committee reviewing the Rules of the House to act swiftly in presenting a draft of proposed revisions. He stressed the importance of modernizing legislative procedures to align with international best practices and strengthen institutional efficiency.
Speaker Koon also emphasized the critical role of committees in legislative work, urging chairpersons and co-chairpersons to collaborate effectively. “Committees are the engine rooms of this Legislature. It is there that the hard work of lawmaking, oversight, and policy scrutiny takes place,” he stated. He encouraged timely and thorough reporting to ensure the effectiveness of the Legislature’s work.
A key focus of his remarks centered on the upcoming National Budget. Koon called on members to approach the budget hearings with seriousness, emphasizing that the budget process is where the Legislature’s responsibility to the Liberian people is most tangible. “The budget is not just a financial document; it is a reflection of our values and priorities as a nation,” he said.
He urged lawmakers to prioritize increased funding for critical sectors such as health, education, and aviation. Specifically, he called for more support to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, investment in the University of Liberia’s infrastructure and operations, and improvements to the Roberts International Airport to enhance safety and attract international confidence.
Beyond the budget, Koon pressed for urgent action on key legislative instruments, including the New Elections Law. He called on the Committee on Elections to present its report without delay to allow the House to address constitutional thresholds for constituency delineation. “We are already beyond the constitutionally set timeframe, and time is of the essence,” the Speaker warned.
He also highlighted Liberia’s involvement in the formation of the Mano River Union Parliament, noting that preparations for its launch are well underway. He praised lawmakers participating in the process for their commitment to regional cooperation and announced that Liberia’s delegation will soon be finalized.
The Speaker further urged committees to expedite work on bills that have stalled in committee rooms and called on the Senate to act swiftly on critical legislation such as the National Old Folks Bill and the Amended Disability Act, both of which aim to advance inclusive governance and dignity for vulnerable groups.
Concluding his remarks, Speaker Koon issued a solemn reminder to lawmakers about their duty to the nation. “As we embark on this third and final quarter, let us be reminded that history is watching. The Liberian people look to this 55th Legislature for leadership that is honest, courageous, and united,” he said. He urged lawmakers to act not as partisans, but as patriots, and to ensure their work leaves a lasting legacy. “Together, let us ensure that when the curtain falls on this second session, the people of Liberia will say with pride that our Representatives stood for us, spoke for us, and served us well,” Koon concluded.
