Africa-Press – Liberia. A group of Ex-lawmakers under the banner, Association of Elected and Served Legislators of Liberia, has cautioned House Speaker Richard N. Koon, to consider reconciliation as a cardinal focus, something, they believe will help drive his agenda smoothly.
“We, the Association of Elected and Served Legislators, further call on Speaker Koon to see reconciliation as a cardinal focus in driving his agenda in the House”, they said.
Rep. Koon of Montserrado County District #11 defeated Rep. Musa Hassan Bility of Nimba County District#7, 43-26 votes recently, following the resignation of former Speaker J. Fonati Kofa.
Prior to his election, Koon illegally served as speaker of the Majority Bloc and presided over the House’s affairs for six months. However, the Supreme Court later declared his leadership and all actions taken under his gavel illegal.
Following the resignation of former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Koon relinquished the presiding seat for Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and took his place on the floor. He was subsequently nominated and elected as Speaker.
His victory not only solidifies his political grip on the House but also legally confirms his status as Speaker and second in line to the Presidency.
Koon’s primary challenge now is to unify a deeply divided legislature, which has been marred by months of acrimony and legislative paralysis.
But reacting to Koon’s election over the weekend, the group of Ex-lawmakers says if the House of Representatives should go back to normality, the newly elected Speaker should muster the courage to unify that body and bring everyone together.
Reading a special statement on behalf of the group, Atty. S. Josen Fahn, president of the Association of Elected and Serve Legislators said, “We express our immense satisfaction and gratitude to hear that the impasses at the 55th legislature, particularly at the House of Representatives, that lasted pretty close to eight months to some degree, nearly brought our country to paralysis and divided nation has been amicably resolved.”
He said as a result of this decision, cohesion has once more been manifested at the House of Representatives through the election of Rep. Richard N. Koon as Speaker of the 55th Legislature.
Accordingly, he said indeed, this stands by members of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature, is commendable and is also an indication of a sign of true patriots.
“In this vein, we the Association of Former Elected Legislators of Liberia are obliged to wholeheartedly congratulate Speaker Richard N. Koon, for his preferment after undergoing enormous challenges, and it is our wish that Speaker Koon will exemplify the confidence imposed in him by his colleagues to function in the interest of the Liberian people”, the group says.
It continues that as former legislators, they are of the utter hope that Speaker Koon will treat the Association kindly, therefore, they want him to see reconciliation as a cardinal focus in driving his agenda in the House.
“For friendliness in the interest of national healing, we are quite grateful for you, your presence, for the leadership, for your time, and we thank God for this opportunity to be able to speak to you on behalf of the Liberian people”, the Ex-lawmakers said.
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