By Bill W. Cooper
A group dubbed “The Patriotic Campaigners of Liberia (PCL)” has announced plans to petition lawmakers to commit 25 percent of their annual salaries and benefits for the renovation of the Capitol joint chambers and rotunda that were gutted by five recently.
The group said they seeks not only to rebuild the physical structure of the Capitol but also to reinforce the commitment of lawmakers to the nation’s democratic processes and governance which the country was founded.
“Given the current economic situation and glaring competing priorities to better our country, we believe that the contribution of each lawmaker is not only a patriotic gesture but also an act of leadership that will reallocate the initial US$1.8million dollars to Education, Health, Youth Development and other vital sectors.
We are therefore calling on everyone to engage our legislators, comprising the both the Representatives abd Senators in this noble cause. Please note that this is not about political sides. We can do this for mama Liberia,” the group urged.
Recently, the Capitol Building, a symbol of Liberia’s democracy and governance, was engulfed in flames last month, resulting in significant damage to its joint chambers and rotunda, thus raising serious concerns among the citizenry.
The fire, which some authorities believe was caused by an unknown individual(s), raised alarms about the state of infrastructure in the country and the need for renovations and the strengthening states security at public facilities.
However, in the aftermath of the fire, the government has faced criticism for its lack of preparedness and investment in maintaining public buildings, with many citizens expressing disappointment over the state of disrepair that led to the fire, questioning the priorities of their elected officials.
Their assertion also followed recent decision from the Senate Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget to have projected US$1.8 million in the Fiscal Year (FY 2025) budget for the start of the Capitol Building Renovation.
But in response to the tragedy, PCL urged, “We cannot sit idly by while our Capitol, the heart of our democracy, lies in ruins, because this is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about restoring faith in our institutions and ensuring that our representatives are held accountable to the people they serve.”
The group also plans to formally present their petition to the Legislature next month, urging lawmakers to commit a portion of their salaries and benefits to the renovation efforts, and noted that the proposed 25 percent allocation is intended to demonstrate solidarity with the citizens of Liberia, many of whom struggle to Legislative Response.
The group maintained, “While our legislators understand the sentiment behind this proposal, they must also consider the financial implications because they have families to support and responsibilities to meet, but again, and open discussions on how they can contribute to the renovation in a meaningful way is crucial.”
The group further disclosed, “Our lawmakers should show that they care about the state of our institutions. If they can contribute a portion of their salaries, it will send a strong message to the people that they are committed to rebuilding our country.”
They at the same time argued that by committing a portion of their salaries to the renovation, lawmakers can demonstrate their dedication to serving the people and rebuilding trust in the political system.
“This is an opportunity for our legislators to show that they are not just here for their own interests but are genuinely invested in the welfare of the nation. So, we need to rebuild not just the Capitol but also the trust between the government and the people,” PCL added.
They further highlighted the importance of civic engagement and the role of civil society in holding elected officials accountable, adding that by mobilizing citizens and encouraging them to participate in the democratic process, the PCL hopes to foster a culture of active citizenship in Liberia.
