By Jacob Kermue
0775187091/0888809944
jacobkermue4@gmail.com
Gbarnga, Bong County – Several civil society organizations and concerned citizens from Bong County under the banner “United Citizens Mass Action” has formally petitioned the Boakai-Koung administration to veto any bill that might come from the legislature seeking to repeal section 2.2 {e&f} of the 2018 Local Government Act (LGA). Recently, Grand Gedeh County Electoral District one Representative, Jeremiah Sokan proposed a bill to the House’s plenary titled: “An Act to Repeal Section 2.2 subsection (e&f) of the Local Government Act of 2018.” The proposed amendment seeks to give the county’s Legislative Caucus oversight responsibility of the county’s budget and development approval process.
In contrast to some lawmakers’ quest, the Bong County CSOs asserted that the government enacted the LGA as part of efforts to decentralize power to local citizens on the mantra ‘power to the people’ noting that the executive should reject any attempt by the legislature to undermine this law.
“You give power to us, don’t undermine it.” a representative of the CSOs, Comfort Giwlay stated. Taking away this power from the county councils greatly undermines accountability and inclusive governance.”
They further asserted that the Local Government Act significantly reinforces Liberia’s decentralization efforts by affording citizens’ right to actively engage and participate in crucial decisions-making, thus, amending it would be an issue for the country’s growing democracy.
“Removing the role of county councils disregards their constitutional right to participate in decisions that affect their lives,” the petition statement read.
Highlighting the importance of the County Council consistent with Sec. 2.2{e&f},the petitioners expressed concerns about transparency and accountability in managing development funds; arguing that repealing the LGA has the proclivity to undermine transparency and greatly contribute to rampant corruption.
“Centralizing decision-making historically leads to inefficiency and inequity.”
They also called on the Executive Branch to uphold its commitment to participatory governance and support the full implementation of the LGA as a foundation for inclusive development.
Meanwhile, receiving the petition on behalf of Bong County Superintendent, Hawa Norris, for onward presentation to Pres. Joseph Boakai, Bong County Administrative Officer Sam Elliott, expressed willingness in conveying the message of the citizens and paving the way for logical conclusion that would have a positive impact on the livelihoods of locals.
Some key civil society actors pushing for a rejection of the bill include Mr. Aaron Juaquellie of the Foundation for International Dignity (FIND), Jesse Cole of the DELTA Human Rights Foundation, and Aaron Sackie Fenlah of the Bong County Council.
It can be recalled in recent history, that Bong County CSOs filed a case to the Supreme Court of Liberia calling for the implementation of the Local Government Act following its approval in 2018 by the executive branch under the leadership of former president, George Weah; a case the supreme ruled in favor of the petitioners thus, leading to the implementation of the LGA.
The bill has since been greeted with public criticism following its introduction to the House’s plenary. As the debate continues whether or not to consider the bill, the “United Citizens Mass Action” has not made clear what could be their next actions if the lawmakers’ amendment mission is accomplished.
