By Grace Q. Bryant
Representative Richard Nagbe Koon, the majority’s speaker, says unity, accountability, and reform must be the hallmark in the second session of the 55th Legislature, which officially opened on Monday, January 13.
The second session opened yesterday in consonance with Chapter 5, Article 32 (A) of the 1986 Constitution but at the City Hall under the gavel of Koon who underscored the urgent need to restore trust between the Legislators and the Liberian people, emphasizing the importance of unity and transparency.
He reflected on recent challenges, including the leadership impasse and a fire incident, which have tested the Legislature’s stability stating, “The responsibility to promote peace, advance unity, and restore trust cannot be overemphasized.”
He urged the lawmakers to seize the new session as a pivotal moment for collaboration, dialogue, and renewed commitment to Liberia’s core values adding, “Today is not just an eventful day but an important moment for all of us to reaffirm our dedication to serving our people and country with patriotism.”
Koon acknowledged the deep disillusionment among Liberians following the recent legislative crisis, which included attempts to unseat the embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
“To be honest, our people across the country are not happy with us,” he admitted and called on his colleagues to prioritize rebuilding public trust through transparency and accountability.
“Together, we have the opportunity to redefine our path, strengthen our unity, and uphold the values that bind us as a single unit. This compels us to execute our responsibilities in the best interest of the Motherland,” Koon said.
Rep. Koon commended the passage of the US$880.6 million national budget for 2025, highlighting its focus on critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and agriculture.
However, he stressed the importance of ensuring equitable distribution and effective utilization of resources to deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
Rep. Koon proposed introducing digital voting machines and a comprehensive website to provide real-time access to legislative proceedings.
He also suggested renaming committees to reflect broader mandates and enhance financial audits to improve transparency.
He emphasized the need to revisit critical bills addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities.
Koon highlighted the ‘Old Folks Bill’ and the ‘Disability Bill’ as priorities for ensuring inclusivity in national policies.
Koon also called for electoral reforms to strengthen Liberia’s democracy and encouraged exploring mechanisms to integrate diaspora Liberians into the country’s political and economic framework.
In addition to domestic reforms, Rep. Koon highlighted the importance of Liberia’s relationships with regional and international partners.
He noted recent bilateral discussions with Ghana as a step toward fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
He also advocated for stronger engagement with organizations such as ECOWAS and the African Union to enhance Liberia’s role in regional and continental affairs.
“Our strength is amplified through our relationships with regional and international partners. By fostering collaboration, we can reposition ourselves to play a more significant role in ECOWAS, the AU, and their respective parliaments,” Koon stated.
Rep. Koon’s speech comes amid ongoing divisions in the House of Representatives. Supporters of embattled Speaker Koffa, now led by Representative Musa Bility, have refused to recognize Koon’s authority but have agreed to participate in the majority bloc’s sessions.
Despite these challenges, Koon remains focused on uniting the Legislature, fostering transparency, and prioritizing the needs of the Liberian people.
