Africa-Press – Liberia. Former UP and PLP Chairman Wilmot Paye has underscored the need for members of the National Legislature to collectively play their constitutional roles and desist from being a “vehicle for individual members to project themselves at the expense of the state.”
He observed that for too long members of the National Legislature have not done enough to serve those who elected them at the helm of power.
He maintained that Senators and Representatives have failed to properly allocate resources to empower line government ministries, agencies and others to execute their assigned tasks and responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner.
Mr. Paye made these assertions when he appeared as guest on the Prime Morning Drive on Prime FM 105.5 in Monrovia on Thursday, January 5.
He said the requisite standards have not been set by members of the first branch of the Liberian government to checkmate members of the Judiciary in a bid to ensure the fair dispensation of justice in the country.
“It is not about experimenting. We have already identified what we need to do upon our ascendancy as Senator of Montserrado County. The Senate should play its legal or constitutional role and stop being a vehicle for individual members to project themselves at the expense of the state. What the Senate or by extension the Legislature does is to serve the people.”
Mr. Paye said lawmakers should use the opportunity of the current draft national budget for Fiscal Year 2023 before them to make appropriate allocations to key ministries and agencies to help address challenges they are faced with.
He said it is a “shame and disgrace” to aged-old Liberia for the children of some parents to be in school, while the children of vast majority of other Liberian parents are sitting home.
He said policy must be crafted by the National Legislature to boost enrollment at all levels.
Citizens are concerned
Mr. Paye observed that Liberians are concerned about the grave issue of corruption, conflict of interest where policy makers in public service are using their respective positions to empower themselves by creating companies, while private operators or providers are left on the other side.
He stressed that instead of executing their assigned tasks and responsibilities for the benefit of the citizens, these public officials busy themselves by establishing “financial empires” to the detriment of the state and its people.
He added that the “get rich quick mentality” of most public officials continue to disturb or hold back Liberians who are yielding for a positive change in the society.
This, Mr. Paye said, is deceiving most young people to have the perception that elected or appointed positions are the fastest means of accumulating wealth in Liberia.
He maintained that the lack of better or quality health care delivery to the masses, especially ordinary Liberians is due to the lack of adequate support and the “don’t care attitude” of those responsible to do so.
He observed that though Liberia has professional health care workers and facilities, the deficiency of medical equipment and financial support remain a major challenge.
Mr. Paye added that the situation will continue to persist because those responsible to elevate the healthcare system in Liberia and their family members normally seek treatment abroad.
He said it is now time that members of the National Legislature craft a resolution to restrict the President and other elected or appointed government officials from seeking medical attention abroad.
He maintained that budgetary allocations toward foreign travels for medical attention can be directed to improving other public health centers in the country.
On senatorial bid
On December 15 last year, Mr. Paye accepted a petition to contest for the senatorial seat in Montserrado in the pending 2023 general and presidential elections.
He noted that he has already identified what needs to be done for the county and its residents.
He added that he will “hit the ground running” following his ascendancy to the Liberian Senate.
Mr. Paye disclosed that despite the controversies which characterized his political life, he will continue to maintain his consistency in keeping with his principles in his political sojourn.
He vowed not to have vested interest in the discharge of his constitutional duties at the Liberian Senate.
He said emphasis will be placed on advocating for the setting of standards and transformation of Liberia’s education sector.
Mr. Paye stressed that it remains the responsibility of government to guarantee an enabling environment to attract investment to help provide job opportunities for citizens.
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