Africa-Press – Liberia. Representative Musa Hassan Bility (District #7, Nimba County), Political Leader of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), has renewed his scathing criticism of the Liberian Legislature, branding it as the “most corrupt institution” in the country.
Speaking during an interview with journalists at Radio Kergheamah 94.5 FM in Ganta, Bility lamented what he called a collapse of accountability within government since October 2024, accusing lawmakers of operating with impunity under Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon.
“Since October up to now, there has been no accountability. Government officials have not been held responsible nor have they answered to the people,” Bility declared. “The absence of checks and balances and the culture of impunity have turned the Legislature into the most corrupt sector in Liberia.”
The Nimba lawmaker further accused the Unity Party (UP) government of President Joseph Boakai of eroding governance discipline, warning that the refusal to enforce existing laws and regulations has fostered “lawlessness and confusion” in the country.
Lawsuit Against Speaker Koon
Bility announced plans to sue House Speaker Koon for withholding US$100,000 in constituency development funds allocated to Nimba District #7. He argued that the funds, meant to support community projects across Liberia’s 73 districts, remain unreleased despite budgetary approval.
“My district has not received its legislative funding, which is allocated for development projects. The Unity Party secured over 20,000 votes from District 7 alone, but we have nothing to show for this support,” he fumed.
He emphasized that his lawsuit aims to compel the Speaker to account for the funds and ensure Nimba benefits from the national budget.
Taking on the Unity Party and MDR
Bility also criticized the Unity Party’s leadership, accusing it of ignoring the rule of law. He responded to UP Chairman Rev. Luther Tarpeh’s recent remarks dismissing smaller parties as “helping verbs” to dominant political blocs, rejecting any attempt to marginalize the CMC.
Instead, Bility argued that the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson had become the true “helping verb,” citing the party’s leadership vacuum since Johnson’s passing. He revealed plans to engage MDR officials in dialogue to preserve Johnson’s political legacy and explore collaboration for Nimba’s development.
Hope for Change
Despite his sharp criticism, Bility expressed optimism about Liberia’s political future under a CMC government. He pledged job creation, infrastructure rehabilitation, and expanded access to education and healthcare as core priorities if his party comes to power.
“Liberia deserves leadership that is accountable, that respects democratic principles, and that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens,” he asserted.
For now, Bility’s accusations add to mounting public concerns over the credibility of the Legislature and intensify calls for stronger checks and balances in Liberia’s democracy.
Bility, who won on the ticket of the Collaborating Political Parties, began his legislative career aligned with the ruling Unity Party Alliance. However, he distanced himself from the party following the acrimonious removal of former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. As a member of the Minority Bloc that supported Koffa, Bility soon emerged as Chairman of the Rules Caucus and became a vocal critic of both the Unity Party and the Majority Bloc in the House.
He previously accused the Majority Bloc-led leadership of diverting funds approved in the national budget for all lawmakers to only those members who supported the election of Speaker Richard Koon.
Speaking live on the Spoon Network last week, Bility alleged that the US$50,000 earmarked in the budget for each lawmaker’s district development projects was instead distributed to supporters of Koon’s speakership.
“After Koffa left, those currently running the Legislature—living off the blood of the Liberian people—have destroyed that institution over the last 15 years. They conspired to prevent me from becoming Deputy Speaker or Speaker. Among their schemes, the US$50,000 budget allocation was used as payback for the election I lost to Richard Koon,” Bility charged.
He argued that such a system cannot be reformed from within, insisting it must be “turned on its head” for the benefit of the Liberian people.
The House leadership, under Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, has not yet responded to Bility’s allegations.
Bility, who defeated incumbent Roger Y. Domah in the 2023 elections, had promised to rally his colleagues to implement reforms that would better serve their constituencies. But less than two years into his six-year term, the outspoken lawmaker announced that he will not seek re-election.
Describing the Legislature as a “dungeon for corrupt leaders,” Bility said he sees no place for himself among those he believes have destroyed the institution.
“I have discounted the Legislature. It is a minus for our country. It is not the path I want to take. The Legislature is not a place to pursue—it is a home, a dungeon for corrupt leaders. They are the ones destroying this country, and I don’t have a place among them. I am not going back there,” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
