Pres. Boakai Urges 55th Legislature to Unite for National Development

President Joseph N. Boakai has called on members of the 55th Legislature to
put aside political and personal differences in the interest of national unity
and development.

Speaking during a meeting held Tuesday at the Executive Mansion, the
President emphasized the importance of cooperation among elected officials,
urging lawmakers to prioritize the people’s needs above partisan interests.

“This is not the time for political division. Our people are looking to us
for leadership, direction, and results,” President Boakai stated. He called on
lawmakers to “put their differences behind them and serve the people who
elected them.”

The meeting came amid rising public calls for improved governance and
service delivery. Lawmakers from all sixteen counties were in attendance.

President Boakai urged legislators to focus on enacting laws that directly
benefit the public and to engage in constructive, cross-party dialogue. His
message is expected to set the tone for a more unified and people-centered
approach to governance.

Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, who also addressed the gathering, noted
that while disagreements are normal in a democratic legislature, unity is
essential. He specifically urged Speaker Richard Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas
Fallah to work towards reconciliation within the House.

“If the Speaker doesn’t foster an inclusive legislature, the body could face
internal elections again,” VP Koung warned. “Others will become disenchanted.”

He encouraged leadership to incorporate those who feel sidelined, especially
members who lost committee positions, stating: “That is what good leadership
does.”

Nimba County District #7 Representative Musu Bility described the meeting as
“frank and necessary,” calling President Boakai’s message “timely and
patriotic.”

“The President reminded us why we are here to serve our people,” she said.
“We must rise above party politics and deliver on our promises.”

As Political Leader of the Collaborating Movement for Change (CMC), Bility
pledged to work with the House’s leadership but emphasized she would not
hesitate to offer constructive criticism when needed.

“Our loyalty must be to the Liberian people,” she declared.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, formerly of the Coalition for Democratic
Change (CDC), acknowledged past tensions at Capitol Hill but expressed hope for
unity going forward.

“Today marks a new beginning,” Fallah said. “The House of Representatives
stands ready to work with President Boakai to bring peace and development to
Liberia.”

The gathering, spearheaded by Vice President Koung and Speaker Koon, was
described as a strategic effort to strengthen cohesion and collaboration within
the legislature.

Despite the show of unity, not all lawmakers were satisfied. During the
photo session, nearly seven legislators reportedly walked out of the Executive
Mansion, expressing disappointment.

One disgruntled lawmaker was overheard saying:

“We were misled. The Speaker told us this meeting was scheduled by the
President, but that was not true it was arranged by Speaker Richard Koon.”

The lawmaker also expressed frustration over the lack of opportunity to
speak during the session:

“We only introduced ourselves. That was totally out of order.”