By Bill W. Cooper
The Association of Former Elected and Served Legislators of Liberia (AFESL) has urged the newly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives to tap into their expertise and experience.
This appeal comes in the wake of the recent elections that saw a new leadership, Richard Koon, take the helm of the legislative body after a prolonged impasse, marking a pivotal moment in Liberia’s political landscape.
The AFESL, which comprises a diverse group of former lawmakers who have dedicated years to public service, believes that their collective knowledge can play a crucial role in addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation.
Addressing a news conference over the weekend, AFESL, through its president, S. Josen Fahn, also emphasised the importance of collaboration between current legislators and their predecessors to foster effective governance and legislative progress.
He said, “On behalf of AFESL, we express our immense satisfaction and gratitude to hear that the impasse at the 55th Legislature, particularly, the House of Representatives, that lasted for pretty close to eight months, to some degree, nearly brought our country to paralysis and a divided nation has been amicably resolved.”
Fahn explained, ” As a result of this decision of our astute leaders at the House of Representatives, today, cohesion has been once more manifested in the House of Representatives, through the election of Richard Nagbe Koon as Speaker of the 55th Legislature.”
“Indeed, this stance on the part of our able members of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature is commendable and is also an indication of a sign of true patriotism and nationalism.
In this vein, we, members of AFESL, are obliged to wholeheartedly congratulate Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon for his preferment after undergoing enormous challenges and it is our wish that Speaker Koon will exemplify the confidence reposed in him by his colleagues to function in the interest of Liberian people and the forward march of the country,” he noted.
Fahn further expressed his hope that Speaker Koon’s leadership will treat their association kindly, adding, “We further call on Speaker Koon to see reconciliation as a cardinal focus in driving his agenda in the House for congeniality in the interest of national healing.”
“We stand ready to support the new Speaker and the House of Representatives in any way we can. Our experience in navigating the complexities of legislation, policy-making, and governance can provide invaluable insights that will benefit the current leadership and, ultimately, the people of Liberia,” he maintained.
The AFESL further highlighted key aspects of their expertise, noting. “We believe that the new Speaker would do well to recognize this association and create avenues for dialogue and collaboration.”
