Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Thursday delivered a historic address to the House of Representatives during a plenary session, raising several critical national issues and encouraging lawmakers to reflect on their legislative responsibilities toward the country’s development.
Speaking before Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, and members of the 55th Legislature, ex-President Sirleaf described the invitation to address the plenary as an unprecedented moment in Liberia’s democratic history.
The former Liberian leader indicated that rather than delivering a conventional speech, she intended to share reflections on key national issues that require legislative attention and action.
One of the major issues raised by the ex-President was Article 27(b) of the 1986 Constitution, which restricts Liberian citizenship to persons who are Negroes or of Negro descent. She urged lawmakers to reconsider the provision through Constitutional reform, emphasizing that Liberia must make structural adjustments that would enable the country to keep pace with emerging African nations.
The former President also highlighted the growing land disputes across the country, noting that the issue continues to create significant legal and social challenges. She pointed out that many institutions and individuals hold vast tracts of undeveloped land while others occupy properties that do not belong to them, a situation she said requires stronger policies and legal interventions. Ex-President Sirleaf further stressed the need for effective zoning regulations and responsible land management.
Turning to the condition of Monrovia and other urban centers, the ex-President expressed concern about the deteriorating state of the capital city, which she described as once admired for its historic landmarks and orderly structure. She called for decisive legislative support for government actions aimed at restoring the dignity and development of the capital.
The former President also addressed the issue of Liberianization, noting that policies designed to protect Liberian participation in the national economy must be strengthened and enforced. She warned against the unchecked exploitation of Liberia’s natural resources by non-citizens, particularly along beaches and waterways, which she said poses serious environmental risks.
Ex-President Sirleaf further emphasized the importance of strengthening Liberia’s political party system, calling for clearer laws and stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure that political organizations operate in a structured and accountable manner.
In addition, she expressed deep concern about the low representation of women in the Liberian Legislature, noting that the House of Representatives currently has nine women out of seventy-three members, while the Senate has only two women out of thirty members. She described the situation as troubling and encouraged lawmakers to consider legal and political measures that would promote greater participation of women in national leadership.
In concluding her remarks, ex-President Sirleaf acknowledged that some may question why many of these reforms were not implemented during her presidency. She stated, however, that she served the nation with dedication under challenging circumstances and remains confident that history will judge her record fairly.
For his part, House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon expressed appreciation to the former President for her presence and contributions, describing the moment as one of reflection, learning, and national pride for the Legislature.
Speaker Koon noted that ex-President Sirleaf’s remarks on issues such as Liberianization policy, citizenship, land governance, and urban development address matters that go to the heart of Liberia’s national identity and future development.
The Speaker assured the former President that the House of Representatives remains committed to addressing these national concerns through thoughtful legislation, oversight, and collaboration with the Senate and other stakeholders.
In recognition of her historic leadership and contributions to Liberia and the global community, Speaker Koon, on behalf of the House of Representatives and the 55th Legislature of Liberia, conferred upon ex-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf a Special Legislative Citation of Distinguished Honor.
The citation acknowledged her historic role as Africa’s first democratically elected female president, her global advocacy for peace and democracy, and her life-long dedication to the progress and development of Liberia.
