-Boakai Charges Legislature
By: G. Bennie Bravo Johnson, I.
Liberian Leader, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called on members of the 55th National Legislature to set aside their political and personal differences in the interest of national unity and development. “Let’s work in the interest of national unity and development”
President Boakai made the appeal on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, during a Special Engagement with the leadership of the House of Representative and the members thereof, held at the Executive.
Addressing the gathering, President Boakai emphasized the urgent need for cooperation among the country’s elected officials, urging them to “put their differences behind them and serve the people who elected them.”
“This is not the time for political division. Our people are looking to us for leadership, direction, and results. We cannot afford to let disagreements—whether political or personal—stand in the way of progress.”
The President further lauded the Representatives for the role they continue to play in the interest of national development. However, admonished the lawmakers that Liberia deserves more to have her national interest achieved.
The meeting, which was intended to foster improved governance and service delivery, brought together key leaders of the opposition, amongst those in attendance were – Representative Dixion Seeboe, Abu B. Kamara, Musa Hassan Bility.
President Boakai’s remarks come at a critical juncture in his administration, as Liberians continue to demand reforms in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and job creation. He urged lawmakers to prioritize legislation that directly benefits the public and to engage in constructive dialogue across party lines.
For his part, the Speaker of the 55th National Legislature, Richard Nagbe Koon lauded the president for his role in resolving the impasse at the National Legislature.
Speaker Koon assured the President of the House of Representatives willingness to collaborate with the Executive in the interest of national Development. “We want to assure you that we will definitely maintain the peace and stability of our nation and work in the interest of nation development. We are going to work with your government to foster your agenda and have a smooth ride in your tenure to achieve your goal for national development.” Speaker koon Stated
At the same time, the Vice President and President of the Senate charged the speaker and the entire leadership of the House of Representative to “Unite” the House of Representative by placing opposition representatives on committees of the house to foster unity amongst members of the house. The Vice President stressed that in the absence of unity, the house risks another IMPASSE.
Lawmakers who attended the meeting described the engagement as
“The President reminded us of why we are here—to serve our people,” Bility said. “We must rise above party politics and deliver on our promises.”
It can be recalled, a major political standoff at the Liberian Legislature began on January 15, 2024, when members of the 55th Legislature clashed over the election of a new Speaker of the House of Representatives. Two rival blocs emerged, one backing Representative Richard Koon and the other supporting Representative Fonati Koffa. The heated dispute led to parallel elections, with each side claiming victory and legitimacy, effectively stalling legislative proceedings.
The crisis deepened early this year when both Koon and Koffa were declared Speakers in separate sessions. The resulting leadership confusion created a constitutional crisis, drawing public criticism and concerns from the presidency. President Joseph Boakai, along with civil society and Liberia’s international partners, urged lawmakers to resolve the impasse to prevent disruptions in governance.
In response, the matter was brought before the Supreme Court of Liberia. On March 18, 2025, the Court nullified the disputed elections and ordered a fresh, unified vote to elect the legitimate Speaker. The ruling was seen as a critical step toward restoring order in the House.
Following the Court’s mandate, lawmakers reconvened and conducted a single transparent vote. Representative Richard Nagbe Koon emerged as the duly elected Speaker, with the process observed by local and international stakeholders. His election marked the official end of the impasse.
The House resumed full legislative functions, including committee work and budget deliberations. Speaker Koffa called for reconciliation and cooperation among lawmakers to ensure stability and effective governance moving forward.
