By Grace Q. Bryant
House Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, has begun constructing the leadership structure of the House of Representatives, with the appointment of officials on three top committees.
For those appointed to the Committee on Executive, Speaker Koffa appointed Rep. Emmanuel Dahn (Ind. District 7, Montserrado County) as Chairman and Rep. Samuel Enders (Ind. District 6, Montserrado County) as Co-Chair.
The Executive Committee will focus on matters relating to the Executive Branch and government administration.
The leadership role will contribute to the effective functioning of the government and the implementation of key policies.
Rep. Marvin Cole (CDC, District 3, Bong County) was appointed to Chair the Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, and he will be assisted by Co-Chair, Rep. Abu Bana Kamara (CDC, District 15, Montserrado).
The Committee will be instrumental in ensuring the orderly conduct of legislative proceedings. Cole served as Co-Chair during the 54th Legislature.
For the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Speaker appointed Rep. Taa Z. Wongbe (Ind. District 9, Nimba County) as Chairman and Rep. Richard Nagbe Koon (UP, Dist. 11, Montserrado Co.) as Co-Chair
The Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Rep. Taa Wongbe as Chair and Rep. Richard Nagbe Koon as Co-Chair, will oversee matters of international relations and diplomacy. Their expertise will be vital in navigating global issues and fostering positive relationships with other nations, advancing the interests of Liberia.
Speaking shortly following their appointment, Speaker Koffa expressed confidence in his colleagues, stating, “I am confident that these distinguished individuals will bring their unique skills and perspectives to their respective committees, contributing to the overall success of our legislative agenda. Together, we will work towards building a stronger and more prosperous Liberia.”
He promised more appointments in the coming days.
In response, the new Chair of House’s Rules, Order, and Administration, Rep. Cole, vowed to restore order in the House.
According to him, in his first 90 days, the House will ensure the sewer system is installed and functions properly. He pledged to ensure fairness in employment and training for employees of central administration.
“My preference will make a serious difference and that we are going to bring dignity and restore honor to this body, and that is what we have been opting for, and we look forward to working with the press and other international bodies and institutions,” he said.
“We are going to make sure that central administration gets training, and we are going to ensure that those who are on government payroll must be able to come to work. This place is not going to be a market ground anymore. We are going to ensure that the sense of authority is restored to the National Legislature. That is, nobody is going to be parading or gallivanting in the corridors of the Legislature. We are going to rebrand this place.”
Rep. Dahn also thanked the Speaker for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to serve in the interest of the country.
He promised to use his connection to strengthen coordination between the Legislature and the Executive. “I will use my connection with both ends to bring coordination between the two branches of government to serve the Liberian people,” he said.
