-As Liberian legislators go to election
By Jerromie S. Walters
The National Legislature is one of the three branches of the Liberian government and an integral component of Liberia’s democratic system. Its significance lies in its ability to represent the people’s interests, pass laws, ensure checks and balances, shape the budget, and provide a platform for debate and consensus-building. The decisions and actions of the legislature have far-reaching implications for the progress, development, and well-being of Liberia and its people.
The 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia will commence its official duties today, Monday, 15 January, 2024, in accordance with the constitutional mandate outlined in the Liberian 1986 Constitution article 32 a. This annual assembly, stipulated to occur every year on the second working Monday in January, marks the conclusion of the 54th Legislature’s tenure and the initiation of the new legislative session.
Interestingly, the end of the 54th legislature today and the start of the 55th will create room for a new leadership. The 55th National Legislature will go to elections today, to elect a new Speaker, Pro tempore, and Deputy Speaker. The elections of Speaker, Deputy Speaker at the House of Representatives, and Pro-Tempore at the Senate will pave the way for the 55th legislature. It also is a constitution mandate that provides for the leadership of the august bodies and aids in ushing the new government after an election in the country.
With this, WomenVoices has grown interest in displaying and examining the candidates’ platforms, chances of winning, and what might lead to their defeat.
The Speakership
Maryland County District #2 Representative, Bhofal Chambers, was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 54th Legislature Monday, January 14, 2018. He was defeated in the just-ended October 10, 2023, legislative and presidential elections. His tenure as Speaker will end today, January 15, 2024. Unfortunately, Speaker Chambers will not participate in today’s election as he earlier complained about irregularities in the voting process in some areas in the district and the court recently authorized the National Elections Commission (NEC) to conduct the voting process in two of the polling places the complaint came from.
Chambers, a member of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), was elected on a “white ballot” after former Deputy Speaker Hans M. Barchue and former Speaker Edwin M. Snowe, Jr. declined their respective intentions after being nominated earlier.
The Maryland County lawmaker replaced former Speaker James Emmanuel Nuquay of the 53rd Legislature, whose tenure expired Monday, January 15, 2018.
Candidates
1. Grand Kru County District #2 Representative J. Fonati Koffa
2. Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard N. Koon
1. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa
Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, Liberia’s current Deputy Speaker and Grand Kru County District #2, is an eccentric political leader adept in the science and art of constituent representation. A Lawyer and political leader whose meteoric rise to prominence in Liberian politics shows a healthy understanding of politics and the ability to cut across political and ethnic divides.
He has been instrumental in passing crucial gender-responsive bills, including the Domestic Violence Bill and the Female Genital Mutilation Bill.
He is the founder and Managing Partner of the International Law Group (ILG), and he has been practicing law since 1997, both in Liberia and the United States of America.
Hon.Cllr. Koffa was also admitted into the Supreme Court Bar of the Republic of Liberia with distinct honor as valedictorian of the graduating class. In 2016, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf appointed Koffa as Minister of State without Portfolio and Special Prosecutor of the Sable Mining Bribery scandal case.
A few months later, he was appointed legal counsel to the President of Liberia.
Cllr. Koffa resigned in late July 2017 to participate in the General and Presidential elections as a candidate for the Representative seat in Grand Kru County District 2. On October 19, he was declared the winner of that electoral process, and in 2021, he was subsequently elected as Deputy Speaker of the 54th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia.
As revealed by record so far, he has been very proactive in exercising his representation, lawmaking, and oversight responsibilities since elected as a legislator and has also undertaken enormous developmental initiatives and other accomplishments in and out of his district. These initiatives include being the first sitting Lawmaker since the creation of the county in 1984 to build five schools, two radio stations, and 13 hand pumps, and provide financial aid and scholarships to over 4,000 students from primary to higher education in six years.
The Deputy Speaker’s contributions to road renovations, the health sector, microloans, and his representation of his constituents’ interests in the Legislature are unmatched and cannot be overstated. In addition to his development initiatives in the county, his assistance to youths and women in Grand Kru County, known as “Turning boys to men and girls to women,” has positively impacted many lives, including human capacity development, job creation, education, self-help projects, among others.
Chance (s) of victory
Cllr. Koffa’s quest for the Speakership has been overwhelmingly embraced by his party (CDC), his colleagues at the legislature, and ordinary Liberians. He has been endorsed by the majority bloc of the legislature.
Over 40 Legislators up Capitol Hill acknowledged in their recent resolution (endorsement) that Cllr. Koffa remains the best candidate for the post, considering that he is a huge expert in the legislature, both in leadership and as an ordinary legislator.
The legislators: “We, the undersigned Representatives hereby declare Representative Jonathan Fonati Koffa as Speaker of the House of Representatives and urge our fellow Representatives to support this resolution as a demonstration of our shared commitment to fostering effective and principled leadership within the 55th House of Representatives.”
His colleagues’ endorsement came days after he was endorsed by his Party, the outgoing ruling Coalition of Democracy Change (CDC). The CDC, through its National Chairman, Mulbah K. Morlu, declared Koffa as the party’s candidate for the Speakership of the 55th Legislature.
Morlu: “In this light, the party intends to support its caucus’s quest for the speaker position and has endorsed the candidacy of Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, a well-balanced political and regional partisan, is its sole candidate for speaker. Therefore, we are calling on all independents and like-minded members of the incoming 55th legislature to support Cllr. Koffa as the consensus candidate.”
Recently, the Senate Grand Kru County Legislative Caucus endorsed the candidacy of Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, for the Speakership of the 55th National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia.
In a Statement of Support for the candidacy of Rep. Clr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa for the position of Speaker, of the House of Representatives, 55th National Legislature the Caucus says: “Indeed, the Grand Kru County Legislative Caucus is pleased to convey to the members of the incoming Honorable House of Representatives, 5sth National Legislature, this Statement of Support for the candidacy of Representative, Clr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, District 2 Representative, Grand Kru County, election. Rep. Clr. J. Fonati Koffa is a member of the Grand Kru County Legislative Caucus and has served the Caucus as chairman for three consecutive years beginning from 2020 to 2023.
Cllr. Koffa has also been endorsed by different groups.
Possibility (ies) of defeat
Though he’s the favorite of them all (Contenders for the Speakership), Cllr. Koffa is still confronted with a challenge from the executive (Executive intervention ). He risks losing the post if his colleagues are misled and influenced by cash.
Also, he faces a challenge for his record of embezzlement in the U.S. On November 22, 2005, U.S. media outlets reported that following his criminal case Jonathan Fonati Koffa pleaded guilty to four federal charges about the embezzlement of $USd500,000.
1. Representative Richard N. Koon
Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard N. Koon, is a also Unity Party lawmaker, who was reelected during the October 10, 2023, presidential and legislative elections. Representative Koon is a Professor of Accounting (University of Liberia). Like Cllr. Koffa, Representative Koon is a familiar face in Liberian politics. His expertise in financial matters showcased through committee roles in the House, and his teaching stint at the University of Liberia underscore his diverse capabilities.
Koon’s collaborative approach to navigating political divisions, coupled with his astute financial insights, positions him as a viable candidate for the speakership. His potential elevation to the position promises enhanced analytical prowess of the numbers at the highest legislative level, enriching the government’s fiscal decision-making.
As a candidate for the Speakership, he says if elected, he will slash the Speaker’s annual budget of $2.5 million by 20 percent.
Rep. Koon: “Members’ welfare needs to be prioritized by decreasing the US$2.5 million speaker’s budget by 20% and transferring it to colleagues’ budget line for their smooth operation. “Our staff welfare will be our priority, and so a portion of the cut will go towards them”. In an interview with Voice of America’s DayBreak Africa, Representative Koon noted that if elected, he will commit himself to initiating reforms to restore the lost image of the legislature. At the same time- he wants an accountable and transparent legislature.
As a financial expert, he has assured to use his expertise and experience over the years to revive the economy for the betterment of Liberia. “I have been a lecturer at the University of Liberia for the past thirty-two years. I teach governmental budgeting and public finance. I’ve worked with both national and international organizations to bring relief to them in terms of insolvency”.
“I think my presence as a speaker will bring great relief to Liberia”.
Chance (s) of victory
A few days ago, President-elect Joseph Boakai invited all members of the House of Representatives to his Rehab residence for a meeting. The meeting was held amid speculation that the President-elect allegedly threatened members of the House, that they would not receive any development funds for their district if they failed to vote for Rep. Koon.
It is also speculated that President-elect Boakai further threatened that he would deny lawmakers access to him if they do not vote for Rep. Koon as Speaker. Following the meeting, it was reported that the President-elect shook the lawmakers‘ hands with an awesome envelope. With these kinds of interventions, it doesn’t require a political scientist to confirm that the lawmakers might go Koon’s way, as a lot of them are already known for seeking their aggrandizement above the actuality.
Over the weekend, Grand Kru County District #1 Representative disclosed that the President-elect allegedly promised each of the 73 legislators a whopping twenty-five thousand United States dollars to support their respective districts. Bahway: “I was there when the old man made it clear that he will be giving twenty-five thousand to each individual so that they will see a reason to support their districts because district dwellers will be coming to Montovia and some will be going back so you are there to serve them.”
He made the disclosure when he spoke to the press Thursday, January 11, 2024, on his support to Richard Koon for the House speakership of the House of Representatives of the 55th National Legislature. Bahway: “I have not received it but I will receive it. I don’t think it’s a bribe, he only spoke about it.”
Possibility (ies) of defeat
Unlike his major contender (Cllr. Koffa) has built and bolstered a cordial relationship with other lawmakers up Capitol Hill, many believe Koon’s possibility (ies) of securing the seat isn’t as certain as Koffa, because he didn’t build himself that kind of relationship with his colleagues throughout his days at the legislature.
Pundits, including legislators, say he (Koon) lacks the leadership experience and might practically be controlled by the executive like a pet, something they believe will undermine the value of the August body. More to this, they (lawmakers) say this is not the appropriate time for his candidacy, especially with the presence of Cllr. Koffa.
Senate Pro tempore
Like the Speakership, the Senate Pro Tempore position in the Liberian Senate is quite important. The Pro Tempore serves as the presiding officer of the Senate in the absence of the Vice President, who is the constitutional presiding officer. The Pro Tempore is responsible for maintaining order and decorum during Senate sessions, ensuring that the Senate’s rules and procedures are followed.
Senator Albert Chie of Grand Kru County is the current Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate. Article 47 of the 1986 Constitution mandates, “The Senate shall elect every six years a President Pro Tempore who shall preside in the absence of the President of the Senate. With this, the Liberian Senate seeks to elect a new Senate Pro Tempore today, January 15, 2024.
At today’s poll, the two Senators from Grand Bassa County, Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence and Gbehzohngar Milton Findley will go head to head (democratically) for the position.
Candidates
1. Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence
2. Grand Bassa County Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley
1. Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence
Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence is a two-term Senator and the first female Senator of Grand Bassa County. She is a Liberian, specifically a member of the Bassa ethnic group, which she currently represents. Senator Lawerence was first elected to the Senate in 2013 and reelected during the 2020 midterm elections. Throughout her first term, she stood as the only female in a Senate comprising 29 men. As Senator, Madam Nyonblee has spoken on several critical issues that have surfaced at the Liberian Senate.
The Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Kargan Lawrence appears as the best option for the position, As a dedicated and accomplished female lawmaker, Senator Nyonblee Kargan Lawrence has consistently shown exceptional commitment to her responsibilities in the Senate. She has a proven track record of attending sessions regularly, actively participating in debates, and diligently fulfilling her duties as a senator.
Her commitment to the legislative process and her constituents is unwavering, making her an ideal choice for the role of Senate Pro Tempore. Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence’s extensive experience in legislative affairs further strengthens her suitability for the Pro Tempore position. Having served multiple terms as a senator, she possesses a deep understanding of the legislative process, rules, and procedures.
Undoubtedly, this experience equips her with the knowledge and expertise necessary to effectively preside over Senate sessions, ensuring order and adherence to the Senate’s rules. Senator Lawrence is presently serving her second term as Grand Bassa Senator.
She also chairs the Rules, Order, and Administration Committee at the Senate. Intrinsically, pundits believe electing a female candidate as the Senate Pro Tempore would send a powerful message of gender equality and women’s empowerment in Liberia. This is because they hold the belief that It is crucial to have diverse representation in leadership positions, and this candidate embodies the potential for women to excel in high-ranking political roles.
Chance (s) of victory
Over the weekend, it was reported that
the Liberian Senate, during its two-day retreat at Farmington Hotel, held talks to ensure a consensus to elect Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence as Pro-Tempore of the 55th National Legislature.
The report says the initial declaration of intent by Grand Bassa Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley was diluted to negotiations led by outgoing Protem Albert Chie in favor of Senator Nyoublee Karngar Lawrence.
However, for such negotiations to be finalized, it was made known that Senators from both blocs resulted in “Give and Take” for Leadership positions and other posts. If it works out this way, Madam Lawrence will emerge as the next Pro tempore of the Liberian Senate. Following the Senate retreat, Senator Lawrence wrote via her official Facebook page: “My mouth full seh! We give God the Glory.”
As another acknowledgment of this report,
Senator Augustine Chea late Saturday wrote: “We’ve lost the race for President Pro Tempore. Our candidate didn’t make it to the finish line. Even the party’s loyal Senators that stayed the course until late Saturday afternoon when the Resolution of the Senate Retreat was signed by 17 Senators in support of the other candidate, surrendered when we realized we’ve been conquered or that with or without us, the deal was done.”
Nyonblee’s edge to secure a landslide victory also dwells on the argument that she doesn’t have a major contender in the race, as many of the tough guys including- Montserrado County Senators Abraham Darius Dillon, and Saah H. Joseph are not participating in the process.
Howbeit, pundits say Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence in particular, stands out as the best option for this influential position. Excluding her proximity to the executive, Senator Lawrence has built a solid relationship with her colleagues at the legislature and this has paved the way for her possible victory.
Possibility (ies) of defeat
As it stands, there’s no reasonable possibility of Senator Lawrence being defeated in today’s election, as even her opponent has not shown strength since talks about the election started.
1. Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley
Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley is an experienced Liberian politician and businessman. He is a former President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate and also the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the administration of President Weah until 28th July 2020.
On August 4, 2017, Findley resigned from the Unity Party, anddeclared that he and the party no longer shared the same political ideology. On August 16, 2017, he announced his intention to join the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) to support President George Weah. Findley was welcomed to the CDC with Weah stating that “honorable Findley is an astute leader with an impeccable record of service to our noble country. He has contributed immensely to the governance process of our country and I believe he will be a great asset to our movement.
Findley and Weah jointly campaigned for the 2017 presidential election in Grand Bassa County, where Findley served as senator for nine years. The alliance proved successful for both, for Findley in thwarting the 2017 presidential bids of both his political adversaries, Charles Brumskine of the Liberty Partyand Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party, and for Weah who edged Brumskine out of contention in the first round national election before defeating Boakai in the final election run-off.
Senator Findley was a Legislator in the Senate of Liberia for nine years beginning with the successful 2005 campaign. As a Senator, he was elected President Pro-Tempore on January 9, 2012, defeating outgoing Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor.
At the Senate, he served in different capacities and on several Legislative Committees, including Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Revenue, Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Procurement, Chairman: of Post & Telecommunications, Co-Chairman: of Lands, Mines & Energy, Co-Chairman: of Public Autonomous Commissions, Member: Education and Public Administration, Member: Ways, Means, Finance & Budget, Member: Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Labor, Member: Rules, Order & Administration, Member: Statutory Committee on Executive, and Member: Joint Legislative Modernization Committee
Findley was elected to the International Board of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative an organization that promotes a global standard for the management of oil, gas, and mineral resources. Years after his exit from the legislature, Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley was elected during the October 10, 2023, legislative and presidential elections, as Senator of Grand Bassa County. As a member of the 55th legislature, announced his intention to contest in the pending Pro Tempore election, amid the active involvement of Senator Lawrence, who both are from the same county (Grand Bassa).
Chance (s) of victory
Over the weekend, it was reported that Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley held strategic engagements with members of the Liberian Senate individually. This step, which according to a source close to the Senator was embraced by some lawmakers at the Senate, was intended to rally his colleagues to support his candidacy for the Pro tempore post.
Also, the Pro tempore bid of Senator Findley has been endorsed by Montserrado County Senator Sarah H. Joseph, who’s from the outgoing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). With the inclusion of Senator Joseph who’s an influential CDC stalwart on Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley’s team, there’s a huge possibility that his (Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley) candidacy will be supported by other CDC lawmakers. As a member of the opposition, there’s also reason to believe that he might be supported by other opposition lawmakers.
Possibility (ies) of defeat
As a credible source from the Senate has acknowledged the factuality of reports concerning their consensus, Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley’s hope for the Pro tempore slot appears to be resting upon a broken stick.
As it stands, it is difficult to predict an honest chance of the Grand Bassa County Senator’s (Gbehzohngar Milton Findley) victory in today’s election, as he doesn’t seem to have the numbers.
Though he has held the position and is capable enough to do the job, Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley doesn’t appear as a favorite candidate for the position.
Considering that his opponent (Nyonblee) is aware of this, she has not been seen in an extreme campaign mode.
Deputy Speakership
As it is with the Speakership and Pro tempore slot, the Deputy Speaker is very intrinsic in the government structure of Liberia. Cllr J Fonati Koffa of Grand Kru County is the current Deputy House Speaker of the 54th legislature.
He replaced Representative Hans M. Barchue who served under the Speakership of current Bomi County Senator Edwin M. Snowe, Jr. They both declined their respective intentions after being nominated earlier.
Candidates
1. Bong County District #6 Representative Moima Briggs Mensah
2. Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Hasan Bility
3. Montserrado County District #6 Representative Samuel Enders
1. Representative Moima Briggs Mensah
As the election is scheduled for today, Monday, January 15, 2024, an ardent representation of the women through Bong County District #6 Representative Moima Briggs Mensah, will be felt, as she’s not just involved to be seen or known as one of the different contenders for the Deputy Speakership, but with a strong desire to ensure an improved legislature.
Representative Briggs Mensah is a second-term legislator of Bong County District #6. She was re-elected during the October 10, 2023, legislative and presidential elections. Representative Mensah earlier contested for the Deputy Speakership following her first election as a representative but was unfortunately defeated.
She has been vocal on several critical national issues at the legislature, including budget debates, to genuinely benefit Liberians. Mid 2023, she rallied her colleagues at the legislature to ensure that a remedy was provided to address the mass spread of children that are involved with street selling.
As she endeavors to obtain the Deputy Speakership, she envisions a responsible legislature. “I want to see a responsible legislature, where legislators will respect their colleagues, and we will take our jobs very seriously that the public perception will change about us.” In her opinion, an awkward perception has been built about the legislature by the public, with this, the need for a responsible legislature, like the one she envisions is intrinsic. “We want to see the agenda being given to lawmakers a day before the session so they will have an input.”
Inclusive of its uniqueness, and being a responsible legislature, she holds a strong interest in ensuring that the workings of the legislature are easily known by Liberians, through the digitalization of the august body utilizing an effective website. This, she believes will enable Liberians to have a clear picture of their lawmakers’ performance at the legislature. More to the above, she says her presence in the post will push to ensure that the rules of the legislative body are adhered to, to shift public perceptions.
This, she says will be applied to their punctuality, respect for legislators’ views during sessions, recognition of legislators during sessions void of political affiliation, and a lot more. Representative Briggs intends to reflect her presence in the post on women, “I want to see women being represented, it hurts me at times when petitions are brought in for women’s issues, how it is treated, but if we have a woman sitting there, that will create a gender balance, and women’s matters will be taken seriously, and I believe it will increase the number of women in leadership and even in the House of Representatives.”
“We are not coming as a burden, we are coming to work with our colleagues to speak to issues, to make sure that women are visible and women’s issues are flagged out in the right and proper way that they can be protected.” She adds- “We stand in solidarity with, we have a legislature that we want to see gender balanced, the women are very few in the house, and giving us a space on the top will also give us visibility, the people will know that Liberian women are on the path with the men,” she tells Womenvoices.
As an acknowledgment of her preparedness, she has been committed to women’s empowerment and participation in national leadership. She brings to the table integrity, hard work, teamwork, and lobbying ability.
With her experience and work at the legislature over the last six years, pundits believe if Representative Moima Briggs Mensah is elected as the DeputySpeaker, it will mean much more for Liberian women and their quest to exceed to the highest seats of the political sphere. As several other Liberians have said, she says her election as Liberia’s next Deputy Speaker will be a motivation for the women of Liberia, especially those who are interested in occupying public posts.
Chance (s) of victory
Concisely with her campaign for gender sensitivity in the leadership of the House of Representatives, Representative Briggs’ message has gone across. Most of her female colleagues, through the Women’s Legislative Caucus have endorsed her candidacy. Currently, there are about eight female legislators (including herself) in the House of Representatives.
In addition to the females, male lawmakers who believe in what she stands for and the ideology of gender balance have also committed themselves to the candidacy of Representative Briggs Mensah. With the fervent support of her female colleagues as well as the significant number of males she has to support her quest, Representative Mensah remains in a much better position.
Possibility of defeat
Amid her proximity to majority of the lawmakers, there’s still a dark cloud over Representative Mensah’s victory as most of her contenders are more financially potent than her. This is nothing to overlook as it is a proven fact that finance plays a significant role in any election, especially at that level where contestants are willing to do all they can financially to secure the seat.
1. Representative Musa Hassan Bility
Representative Musa Hassan Bility is a well-known Liberian businessman and politician. Bility, an official (Chairman) of the Liberty Party (LP) and Mr. Alexander B. Cummings’ Collaborative Political Parties (CPP), was elected as Nimba County District #7 Representative during Liberia’s presidential and legislative elections held October 10, 2023.
Representative Musa Hassan Bility has also been associated deeply with politics in Liberia but with a very controversial record.
Chance (s) of victory
As widely known, financial influence in political processes plays an apt role in obtaining strategic positions. As one who’s already financially capable, Bility understands the game and might use this spectrum to obtain the seat.
Possibility (ies) of defeat
Whenever the name Musa Hassan Bility is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is his unorthodox record at the level of the world football governing body (FIFA).
The Nimba County District #7 Representative (Musa Bility) has a dark cloud over his international reputation as he was convicted of criminal charges by the world football body. Political pundits say he has limited international lobbying ability because of his criminal charges by FIFA.
More to the above, as a newcomer, Bility is faced with huge challenges in securing the Deputy Speakership. The challengesinclude lack of mutual relationship with both old and new legislators. All of the above have the proclivity to undermine Bility’s victory in the Deputy Speakership election.
1. Representative Samuel Enders
Montserrado County District #6 Representative and the founder and CEO of the African Dream Academy, Enders is amongst many Liberians who are breaking the cycle of poverty through education, vocational training, and healthcare.
His investment in education is backed by the fact that Representative Enders who’s the youngest of nine in a single-parent family, Enders didn’t have an opportunity to attend school as a child.
Before becoming a lawmaker, Enders returned to the United States and enrolled in 2005 at Anderson University, where he earned a degree in organizational leadership as well as a master’s of divinity. One of his classmates, Thonja Nicholson, helped him lay the groundwork for what became the African Dream Academy.
The Montserrado County lawmaker also received support and funding from The Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City.
After moving home to Liberia, Representative Enders was elected as District #6 Representative, following his commitment to the district years earlier. He invested much more of his
salary toward opening the African Dream Academy, and in 2012, the academy welcomed its first class of 144 fourth-graders. From 2005 to 2011, ADA operated the African Dream Camp (formerly known as Vacation Bible School (VBS) to provide counseling to 6,000 Liberian children for two-week periods several times a year to inspire them to reach their dreams and to educate them in life skills they desperately need. September 10, 2012, marked an exciting new chapter for ADA, as it opened its first fully academic school with 140 children in classes from Nursery through the Fourth Grade.
Each year since, the academy has added a grade level and now educates more than 1,000 students from age 3 to 12th grade. Excluding this, he has been committed to other activities in his district and as well ensures that the district is well represented at the legislature.
During a recent interview on a local radio show, “The Heat,” Representative Enders confidently stated that he is the best choice for the deputy speakership, emphasizing his dedication to fostering unity within the House of Representatives.
Enders: “I want to be deputy speaker because I have been very committed and trustworthy over the past five years as Representative, and the people of District #6 believe in me. I also want a united Legislature because I want to be a supportive deputy speaker at the house.”
Encouraging his colleagues to place their trust in him for this critical role, Enders underscored the importance of collaboration for the collective benefit of the legislative body. The Montserrado District #6 lawmaker further emphasized his unwavering dedication and pledged to strengthen relationships with fellow representatives if elected as Deputy Speaker of the 55th legislature.
He reiterated his commitment to collaborate efforts with lawmakers nationwide, emphasizing the necessity of a united legislature. “When elected as deputy speaker, I will support my colleagues, mostly when there is a need for support. Also, I want to visit every county in Liberia as Deputy Speaker, because I don’t want to be a deputy speaker solely for the House of Representatives but for the entire country.”
Chance (s) of victory
Though he has not been formally endorsed by the Cllr. Koffa, Representative Enders might benefit from the Deputy Speaker’s influence, as he’s a member of Cllr. Koffa’s bloc.
Possibility (ies) of defeat
Despite his presence on the influential Deputy Speaker’s bloc, it still appears conflicting as his (Enders) major contender (Representative Briggs Mensah) is also a member of Cllr. Koffa’s bloc and he (Cllr. Koffa) has not endorsed any of them.
Since he announced his intention to contest for the Deputy Speakership, Representative Enders has not been publicly endorsed by any lawmaker, like his opponent Representative Briggs Mensah.
Unlike Briggs who has always been seen with other lawmakers before during, and after sessions, Representative Enders kept a very low-key relationship with his colleagues at the legislature. Ender’s weak relationship with his colleagues might stymie (hamper/suppress) his victory for the Deputy Speakership. This is because lawmakers will prefer voting for those they know very well, have a good network with, and believe in.
The Liberian legislature is divided into the House of Senate and Representatives. 30 legislators/lawmakers (three women and 27 men) make up the Liberian Senate (Two from each of the fifteen counties) while the House of Representatives is made of 73 (eight women and 65 men)!lawmakers) representing each district.
Though they execute other critical functions, Legislators at the Liberian legislature have three apt responsibilities that include: lawmaking, representation and oversight. The Liberianlegislature represents the people of Liberia and serves as a platform for their voices to be heard. It is the primary mechanism through which citizens elect representatives who will make decisions on their behalf.
