Vice President and President of the Liberian Senate, Jeremiah Koung, has called on all citizens to eliminate what he termed as the idea of a “green” or “blue” Liberia and promote peace and reconciliation.
Delivering a special statement to members of the Liberian Senate on his first day at work Thursday, January 25, 2024, the former Nimba County Senator emphasized that the 2023 elections are over and it is now time Liberians embrace such a new mindset.
At the 4th day sitting of the 1st session of that august body, VP Koung underscored the need to give every Liberian the opportunity to contribute his or her quota to nation-building.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the results obtained from the October 10, 2023 presidential and legislative elections point to the diversity of the political views and aspirations of the people.
“As we take pride in the many commendations received from friendly nations across the world, we must be reminded that the ultimate goal of our service is not in the victory which comes during elections but in the crafting and execution of laws and policies which have a positive transformative effect on the lives of our people,” he added.
The President of the Senate also told the plenary that the 1st regular session of the 55th National Legislature is not only historical because it climaxes the Constitutional responsibilities of the 54th National Legislature: VP Koung maintained that it sets the platform for the emergence of a new era of a smooth political transition which has enhanced the nation’s democratic credentials.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Liberia and President of the Liberian Senate lauded former President George Manneh Weah and former Vice President, Jewel Howard-Taylor, for their stewardship over the last six years.
VP Koung said he believes that the ultimate winners in the October and November elections are the Liberian people, who are the true custodians of peace and democracy.
“Today, our nation has once again ushered in its second successive post-war democratic transition from one government to another.
These transitions are marks of our country’s preparedness for democracy. During the conduct of our elections and the attending transition of state power, we have, as a nation, demonstrated our commitment to peace and the credibility of our democratic aspirations and institutions,” the President of the Liberian Senate averred.
He also congratulated all senators for a hard-fought campaign and welcomed all newly elected senators who have joined the body to continue the legacy of service to the Liberian people.
