By S. Siapha Mulbah (Cub Reporter)
The National Chairman of the Patriotic Entrepreneurs of Liberia (PATEL) Dominic Nimely, has revealed the need for a business tycoon to be a member of parliament.
Mr. Nimely, addressing scores of reporters in Monrovia yesterday, disclosed that there is a pressing need for a key member of the Business Community to get an elective seat at both House of Representatives or Senate where he/she will adequately represent the business community.
The PATEL Boss indicated further that he wants to go to the legislature to fight against what he called “bogus agreements” that are often passed over night against the people of Liberia.
Nimely explained that having a seat in the Capitol for the business community who are taxpayers to observe the decision-making process in the governance system of Liberia, signals a relief in the country where the business community is being “spectators” in their own economy.
He added that the legislature has downplayed Liberian businesses and signed so many agreements in the interest of foreigners owning enterprises operating in the country.
He said the lawmakers had constantly refused to implement laws on the book that is intended to protect Liberian citizens involved in business.
He explained that their quest at LIBA, PARTEL and other business institutions for a seat in the Capitol is in line with the observation of all of the country’s problems emanating from the lawmakers.
“The problem we face in this country is the lawmakers; they go through signing bogus agreements for their own desires and forget about those that elected them,” he said.
Speaking further, he said that the lawmakers are the reason for some companies operating in Liberia denying transactions in the country’s national currency for the US currency which leads the country into huge capital flight.
According to Nimely, it is not a favorable idea to have Liberians striving to engage their own business arena and be deprived of their 100% retailers’ right.
“We are spectators in our economy, because the foreigners are doing wholesale, retail and supply and we are left with no immunity as citizens,” he stressed.
Mr. Nimely believes that every country depends on its own citizens to develop, so the legislature should see the common Liberia as a priority in terms of strengthening the business environment.
He called on the government to augment the amount allotted in its national budget for Liberian owned businesses so that serious-minded Liberian business people can access loans to help improve the economic development of Liberia.