Africa-Press – Liberia. Vice President Jeremiah Koung has outlined the expectations of Liberians from members of the 55th National Legislature, with a call on Senators to execute their constitutional responsibilities with a “deep sense of patriotism”, crafting and ensuring the execution of laws and policies that would have a positive transformative impact on the lives of citizens and the development of the country.
According to him, the wellbeing of the Liberian people must top the legislative debates and developmental agendas.
Vice President Koung made these comments during the 4th Day Sitting of the 1st Session of the Liberian Senate held at the Capitol Building in Monrovia on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
He pointed out that Liberians are demanding a drastic change in the leadership pattern of the country.
He said citizens are yearning for accountability and respect for the rule of law and seeking opportunities for employment and investments.
Vice President Koung emphasized that Liberians are also demanding the rebirth of the merit-based system where competence and results are the primary focus of the public sector.
“As we commence our deliberations, we must perform our collective responsibilities with a deep sense of patriotism, bearing in mind that the true PROTECTORS of the political power we possess are the people; thus the welfare of the Liberian people should constitute the overarching focus of our developmental agendas and attending debates.”
“Our people are anticipating that we will enact laws and implement policies which address their socio-economic needs, and they are in a state of high expectation that we will strengthen our nation’s relationship with international partners.”
He stressed that the citizens’ expectations must be seen as enormous responsibilities confronting the Liberian Senate and as such, Senators must embrace it without any degree of doubts.
Speaking further, Vice President Koung emphasized that the commencement of the 1st Session of the 55th National Legislature is not only historic because it climaxes the constitutional responsibilities of the 54th National Legislature, but it also sets the platform for the emergence of a new era of a smooth political transition which has enhanced Liberia’s democratic credentials.
“As we take proud in the many commendations received from friendly nations across the world, we must be reminded that the ultimate goal of our services is not in the victory which comes during the elections, but in the crafting and execution of laws and policies which have a positive transformative effect on the lives of our people.”
Promote reconciliation
He observed that the results from the just ended October 2023 elections in Liberia also point to the diversity of citizens’ political views and aspirations.
Vice President Koung noted that members of the Senate have a shared responsibility to promote reconciliation and demonstrate true leadership in bringing Liberians together under the umbrella of peace and national development.
He urged Senators to embrace a “new mindset now that elections are over, eliminate the idea of green or blue Liberia, and give every Liberian the opportunity to contribute his or her quota to nation-building,” adding that, “this is the assignment we have chosen, and our performance will be judged by it.”
No room for excuse
He maintained that the 103 members of the National Legislature, who represent the Liberian people, have an uncommon privilege, including carrying the burdens, dreams and aspirations of those elected them to power.
As a result of this, Vice President Koung added, that the survival of the Liberian people depends on the decisions that would be made by their lawmakers.
“We must remain conscious that the urgent responsibility which comes with this assignment gives no room for excuses; all of us are required to deliver on our promises. Today, I am very humbled that our people have entrusted me with this new assignment. I shall exert all of my efforts to live up to this confidence reposed in me.”
Competitive political process
Vice President Koung further recalled that over the last few months, the survival of Liberia’s democracy was tested through a competitive presidential and legislative elections; adding that, while these elections were not void of challenges, Liberians exhibited a character of resilience in testament to their beliefs in the ideals of democracy peace, and national development.
He noted that the nation once again ushered in its second successive post-war democratic transition from one government to another.
Vice President Koung maintained that these transitions are marked of the country’s preparedness for democracy.
He said during the conduct of the elections and the transition of state power, Liberia as a nation, demonstrated its commitment to peace and the credibility of its democratic aspirations and institutions.
He, however, expressed thanks and appreciation to former President George Weahh and his predecessor Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor for their stewardship of the nation over the last six years.
“I believe that the ultimate winners in these elections are the Liberian people who are the true custodians of our peace and democracy.”
He recounted the enormous contributions and sacrifices made by his supporters at home and abroad for his ascendancy.
“We also express gratitude to our international partners and friends of Liberia, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, religious institutions, the youth, media, the people of Liberia and all other stakeholders who continue to work to protect our fledgling democracy and contribute to our nation’s growth and development.”
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