–As House Opens for the Sixth Section of 54th National Legislature
By Taisiah K. Merfee
IPNEWS-Capitol Building: The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Bhofal Chambers says as the direct Representatives of the Liberian people, it is vitally important that they always put the people first by their actions.
Early this morning the was the hosting of the various Counties flags and the marching of Lawmakers to their respective Chambers for the opening of the 6th session.
Delivering special remarks at the opening of the 6th and final session of the 54th National Legislature on Monday, January 16, 2023, Speaker Chambers said as it is explicit in the Liberian Constitution, the Preamble clearly encourages them, the people’s direct Representatives, to exercise their natural and inalienable rights by establishing a framework of Government for the purpose of promoting unity, liberty, peace, stability, equality, justice and human rights under the rule of law, with opportunities for political, social, moral, spiritual and cultural advancement of our society, for ourselves and for posterity.
He said there is a glaring signal for all lawmakers to do their work in this 2023 with dedication commitment, character, and a deep sense of patriotic fervor or alertness.
According Speaker Chambers to clearer lenses, in the true spirit of objective reality, keenly observe the social mood of their people, the influences that drive them, their social attitude and actions. “With this position, we can all, in concert, address the needs of our people adequately. In all that we do, let us put our people first. “Let us all bear in mind that God loves us dearly, in spite of the myriad of the challenges. We must seek to please God by our actions, knowing that His grace and mercy have brought us this far”.
He added that 2023 has been scheduled by law for the conduct of national elections, involving two out of the three branches of the Liberian Government, precisely, the Executive and the Legislature, and that is dictated by the laws.
And today, they are beginning their 6th Sitting, which is also cumulating into the final sitting of the 54th Legislature, as the next second-working Monday of January will be in 2024, at which time, the 55th Legislature shall begin.
“It is my impassioned and/or fervent hope and prayer that we all will meet again in session in the year 2024. May such realization come out of the grace and blessings of the Divine Arbiter of human destiny,” Chambers averred.
He mentioned that 2022 has ended, and it should be “our collective prayer that all the adversities, challenges, distractions and maniacal political thinking and attitudes end with it, and that this 2023 should kindle a spirit of oneness, patriotism and harmony as we sail through this electioneering period”.
“Our today’s convocation in this Sacred Chambers is in consonance with Article 32(a) of the Liberian Constitution, which states, “The Legislature shall assemble in Regular Session once a year, on the Second Working Monday in January”.
“We have now come, with a high sense of responsibility, renewed energy, vision and preparedness, to fulfill this very important Clause or Article of the Constitution.”
He then told members of the House of Representatives, The year before was one to be described as “Annus Mirabilis,” which means, an auspicious or remarkable year; a year of wonders or miracles.
Speaker Chambers added that as a Government, in the year 2022 they experienced some degree of socio-political and economic challenges. With a constructive governance architecture, they as a Legislature, specifically the House of Representatives meaningfully and dutifully worked with the other branches of Government to realign all programs for the assurance of positive outcomes.
“As the world looks to security, Liberia has had its own share and experience of crisis, thankfully, with the engagement(s) and service-oriented passion by you, my reverential Colleagues, coupled with the masterful stewardship of the Head of State and President of the Republic of Liberia, George Weah, rapid and positive improvements were generated with qualitative results.
Meanwhile Speaker Chambers said the year 2022, the Fifth Sitting of the 54th Legislature, several Legislative actions were taken, and so far they have recorded the flowing 65, Regular sessions, one Special session 36 Executive sessions, 24 Appearances of Ministers and Directors total sessions and appearances 125.
At the same time others include total Bills introduced were 117 and total Numbers of Bills passed were 74, Number Executive Bills passed were 53,
Number of Senate Bill Concurred with ……………5
Number of House Bills Passed ……………………12
Number of House Joint Resolution Passed ……… 3
Number of Certificate Extension Passed ………… 1
Total number of Bills in Committee Room …………58
Number of House Bills in Committee Room ……… 33
Number of Senate Bills in Committee Room ………. 9
Number of Executive Bills in Committee Room …… 12
Number of Petitions in Committee Room …………… 4
