Liberia: VP Koung Urges Senators to Prioritize ‘National Welfare’

Vice President Jeremiah Koung is urging senators to fulfill their “responsibilities with a deep sense of patriotism, focusing on the welfare of the Liberian people.”

Addressing the Senate yesterday, Vice President Koung informed senators that Liberians are demanding a significant change in the country’s “leadership paradigm” with a focus on accountability and respect for the rule of law, which must be embraced "”without any doubts.”

“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,” the Vice President said.

“Now, I stand here to remind this August Body that our people are seeking opportunities for employment and investments. They are demanding the rebirth of the merit-based system, where competence and results are the primary focus of our public sector,” he added. “They anticipate that we will enact laws and implement policies addressing their socio-economic needs, and they are in a state of high expectation that we will strengthen our nation’s relationship with international partners.”

Vice President Koung then reminded his former colleagues that while the task at hand is tough, it is essential for Senators to embrace it for the good of the country.

He added that even though the 1st regular session of the 55th Legislature is “not only historical as it climaxes the constitutional responsibilities of the 54th National Legislature, it sets the platform for the emergence of a new era of a smooth political transition that has enhanced the country’s democratic credentials.”

According to VP Koung, as Senators take pride in the “many commendations the country has received from nations across the world,” they must be reminded that the ultimate goal of service is not in the victory during elections but in crafting and executing laws and policies that have a positive transformative effect on the lives of our people.

“Our recent election results point to the diversity of our political views and aspirations. We have a shared responsibility to promote reconciliation and demonstrate true leadership in bringing our people together under the umbrella of peace and national development.”

“Let us embrace a new mindset now that elections are over, eliminate the idea of a Green or Blue Liberia, and give every Liberian the opportunity to contribute his or her quota to nation-building. This is the assignment we have chosen, and our performance will be judged by it,” he said.

The VP noted that it is his understanding that the 103 lawmakers representing the Liberian people have an uncommon privilege: “the burdens, dreams, and aspirations of our people, and their survival depend on the decisions that we make.”

He also added that Senators need to remain conscious of the urgent responsibility that comes with this assignment, which requires “no room for excuses; but to deliver on our promises.” 

“As we strive to enhance our nation’s place amongst the comity of nations, may we never forget that the most important ingredient for nation-building is peace,” the Vice President said. “I remain optimistic that we will continue to pursue the path of true reconciliation and national unity, in the interest of the people of the Republic of Liberia.”