Pres. Weah Challenges 54th Nat’l Legislature: “Pass Citizens-Interest Bills”

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Pres. George M. Weah

President George Manneh Weah has challenged members of the 54th National Legislature to pass bills that are in the interest of the citizens. He reminded the lawmakers that there are a number of bills languishing in their corridors that need urgent attention.

   President Weah’s call to the lawmakers was contained in his fourth State-of-the-Nation Address, delivered at the National Legislature on Monday, January 24, 2021.

   He reminded the lawmakers that ten (10) bills are pending before them that are important to the development agenda of his government, and that they need to look in that direction, for the benefit of the citizenry.

   According to him, “We want to remind you that there are Bills pending before you that are important to the developmental agenda of the Government. As you begin this Fourth Session of the 54th Legislature, we urge you to kindly consider their timely passage.”

   President Weah named the bills as the Whistle-Blower and Witness Protection Bill; the Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, Preventive Measures, and Proceeds of Crime Act, 2019; a Revised Public Health Law of Liberia;  the Convention of Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters; an Act to Establish the Liberia Standards Authority;  an Act to Establish the Civil Service Commission; the Revised and Re-stated Charter of the University of Liberia; the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement; Maritime Zones Act 2020; and  an Act to Endorse the National Youth Policy of Liberia: An Agenda for Action.

  In addition, President Weah promised to “submit bills to amend certain restrictive Judiciary laws, as we have realized that there are processes which not only require the actions of the Legislative Branch, but also require the cooperation and agreement of the Judiciary Branch, mainly the Supreme Court of Liberia.  To adequately address corruption cases, laws providing for the Terms of Court may have to be amended to allow for extended Terms, and for the Grand Jury to be seated for the full Terms of Court.

    “I will also submit a bill to amend the Domestic Violence Act and other laws, to provide enhanced protection for victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Additionally, a bill will be submitted to you to empower young people in an effort to improve their skills through a TVET program.    “I will also forward for your urgent attention and subsequent ratification the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which was signed in Kigali, Rwanda in March of 2018. This agreement is a milestone achievement for Africa in terms of the promotion of trade amongst citizens of the African Union.”

President George Manneh Weah has challenged members of the 54th National Legislature to pass bills that are in the interest of the citizens. He reminded the lawmakers that there are a number of bills languishing in their corridors that need urgent attention; writes Sheikh O. Jalloh.

   President Weah’s call to the lawmakers was contained in his fourth State-of-the-Nation Address, delivered at the National Legislature on Monday, January 24, 2021.

   He reminded the lawmakers that ten (10) bills are pending before them that are important to the development agenda of his government, and that they need to look in that direction, for the benefit of the citizenry.

   According to him, “We want to remind you that there are Bills pending before you that are important to the developmental agenda of the Government. As you begin this Fourth Session of the 54th Legislature, we urge you to kindly consider their timely passage.”

   President Weah named the bills as the Whistle-Blower and Witness Protection Bill; the Anti-Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, Preventive Measures, and Proceeds of Crime Act, 2019; a Revised Public Health Law of Liberia;  the Convention of Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters; an Act to Establish the Liberia Standards Authority;  an Act to Establish the Civil Service Commission; the Revised and Re-stated Charter of the University of Liberia; the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement; Maritime Zones Act 2020; and  an Act to Endorse the National Youth Policy of Liberia: An Agenda for Action.

  In addition, President Weah promised to “submit bills to amend certain restrictive Judiciary laws, as we have realized that there are processes which not only require the actions of the Legislative Branch, but also require the cooperation and agreement of the Judiciary Branch, mainly the Supreme Court of Liberia.  To adequately address corruption cases, laws providing for the Terms of Court may have to be amended to allow for extended Terms, and for the Grand Jury to be seated for the full Terms of Court.

    “I will also submit a bill to amend the Domestic Violence Act and other laws, to provide enhanced protection for victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Additionally, a bill will be submitted to you to empower young people in an effort to improve their skills through a TVET program.    “I will also forward for your urgent attention and subsequent ratification the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which was signed in Kigali, Rwanda in March of 2018. This agreement is a milestone achievement for Africa in terms of the promotion of trade amongst citizens of the African Union.”

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