By Taina James Karbah | Legislative Correspondent
Liberia’s House of Representatives convened its third and final quarter of the second session on Friday, with Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon urging lawmakers to recommit to unity, discipline, and national service as the country prepares for key legislative and budgetary decisions.
Addressing members at the Capitol Building in Monrovia, Speaker Koon welcomed legislators back from their constituency break, expressing confidence that their time away was spent engaging with citizens and gathering feedback to inform parliamentary work.
“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,” Koon said.
Reflecting on the previous quarter, the Speaker acknowledged both challenges and achievements, citing the passage of several legislative instruments aligned with Liberia’s development agenda.
Koon announced ongoing renovations to the House’s main chamber, describing the project as “a symbol of dignity, order, and pride” and a step toward building a modern and accountable legislative institution.
He emphasized the importance of institutional discipline, reminding lawmakers to properly display official license plates on their vehicles to avoid unnecessary confrontations with security personnel. He also called on the House Rules Review Committee to expedite its work and present draft reforms aimed at modernizing legislative procedures.
“Committees are the engine rooms of this Legislature,” Koon said, urging committee leaders to ensure that reports are timely, comprehensive, and actionable.
With the national budget expected to be presented during the current quarter, the Speaker called for rigorous oversight and active participation in budget hearings. He identified three priority sectors for increased funding:
Key progress include, enhanced support for the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital to strengthen its role as the country’s main referral facility, Investment in the University of Liberia to improve infrastructure and operational sustainability and upgrades to Roberts International Airport to bolster safety, security, and Liberia’s international standing.
Koon also highlighted the urgency of passing the New Elections Law, stressing the need for timely constituency delineation in accordance with constitutional requirements. He noted progress in establishing the Mano River Union Parliament, which is expected to launch early next year, with Liberia’s representatives to be announced soon.
In a call to the Senate, the Speaker urged swift action on pending legislation, including the National Old Folks Bill and the Amended Disability Act—both aimed at promoting inclusive governance and social protection.
Concluding his remarks, Koon appealed to lawmakers to rise above partisan divides and serve with integrity and patriotism.
“Let us work not as partisans, but as patriots. Let us debate vigorously, but respectfully. Let us disagree, but never be divided,” he said.
He expressed hope that the session would be remembered as a period when the Legislature faithfully represented the interests of the Liberian people.
