Speaker Hopeful Vows to Audit the Legislature, Stamp Out Corruption and Slash Speaker Budget by Whooping 20%
In a bid for the Speakership of the House of Representatives of Liberia, Montserrado District 11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon has unveiled a comprehensive agenda aimed at instituting meaningful reforms within the legislative body.
Koon, a Unity Party Lawmaker, asserted that he has the support of President-Elect Joseph N Boakai, Vice President-Elect Jeremiah Koung, and the entire Unity Party to challenge rival Fonati Koffa of the ruling CDC.
Key among Koon’s promises is a commitment to audit the Legislature and reduce the Speaker’s budget by 20%. Additionally, he emphasized the need for an independent and coordinated relationship among statutory committees who will operate their own budget free from resource constraints.
“We need adjustment in the status code by bringing new faces to the table,” stated Koon, advocating for change within the legislative structure “for the benefit of Liberia”.
Furthermore, Koon aims to establish a more accountable legislature with clear financial rules and standardized benefits for its members. He proposed that each member should have control over their operational budget to prevent conflicts of interest and allegations of wrongdoing.
The National Budget process, under Koon’s leadership, he said would commence with the oversight of each statutory and standing committee, allowing them control over their committee hearing budget.
Members on finance-related committees would be required to report to county caucus members both before and after public hearings on budget passages.
The legislator pledged that the national budget would allocate infrastructural projects to every district, clearly defined as itemized deliverables. Additionally, Koon proposed decentralized budgets and executional control for various departments within the House of Representatives, with a priority on staff welfare.
In addressing concerns about the Speaker’s budget, Koon asserted, “Welfare of members will be my priority,” as he pledged to decrease the Speaker’s budget by 20% and transfer the funds to colleagues’ budget lines for smoother operations.
My brother I tell you this under my watch as Speaker, welfare will be a priority of decreasing the speaker budget by 20% and transfer to colleagues’ budget line for their smooth operation”
The annual budget for the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives is put at around $2.5, an amount J=Koon intends to reduce by 500,000.
Highlighting a crucial concern, Koon also shifted focus on health insurance for all members, committing to partner with reputable health insurance providers to cover House members. “Many times, our colleagues get sick, some even die and there is no insurance for them” he said adding “I don’t want to change them for forming partnership with reputable health insurance providers who will cover House members”, he added.
Revealing the existence of over a thousand ghost names on the House payroll, Koon promised to clean up the payroll to ensure a realistic and living workforce.
He emphasized that committee appointments would be consultative and reflective of political, religious, gender, regional sensitivity, and competency.
Under his leadership, Koon promised a high level of sanity in plenary discourse, canceling “secret sessions” and advocating for a comprehensive audit of legislative transactions.
Furthermore, he assured that each member would have the right to the floor for a considerable time to speak on national issues, irrespective of partisanship.
On the matter of Foreign Direct Investment, Rep Koon guaranteed that multinational companies and incentive holders operating in Liberia would not be allowed to overlook House members, extending this oversight to both foreign and local entities.
What is Richard Nagbe Koon?
Richard Nagbe Koon, born on July 27, 1970, in Sinkor, Monrovia, Montserrado County, is a distinguished individual with an extensive academic background and a rich history of service. Having graduated from the Everett Jonathan Goodridge High School in 1987, Koon pursued further education in Bookkeeping and Accounting at the Lincoln College of Professional Studies in 1988. Fleeing to Nigeria during the Civil War, he continued his education at Mile-Two Community Junior College of Business, earning an associate degree in “Cost and Financial Accounting.”
Returning to Liberia, Koon sought higher education at the University of Liberia, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Management in 2001. Subsequently, he pursued a master’s degree in accountancy at Cuttington University Graduate School in 2002. Later, he earned a second master’s degree with an emphasis on public finance from Grand Canyon University in the United States.
Koon’s legislative journey began with notable bills, including the New Election Reformed Law, showcasing his commitment to legal and electoral reforms. Advocating for transparency, he investigated revenue generation at Pan African Plaza and questioned the near dissolution of the National Transit Authority in favor of Senator Saah H. Joseph’s buses.
In addition to his legislative work, Koon serves as an Associate Professor of Accounting at the University of Liberia, where he imparts knowledge on Governmental Budgeting, Accounting, Advanced Accounting, and Cost Accounting. His academic contributions extend to international faculty exchange programs, including teaching at the University of Baltimore in Maryland, USA.
With an extensive working history, Koon has held positions such as General Accounting Supervisor in the USA, Inventory Control Specialist, Accounting & Audit Consultant at Alan Bernard International, and roles at Mobil Oil Liberia and the Norwegian Refugee Council. He possesses remarkable project writing, analytical, and research skills, having worked for various national and international organizations.
Engaging in social responsibilities, Koon serves as a part-time Professor at the University of Liberia Graduate Program and is actively involved with the Trustee and Finance Committee of Providence Baptist Church. His commitment to education is evident through his presidency of the Accounting Student Association at the University of Liberia from 1999 to 2000.
Currently representing District Eleven, Montserrado County, Koon is a dedicated family man and an effective team player. Known for his organizational skills and effectiveness in dynamic environments, he continues to pursue a PhD in Business Administration and Economics from Grand Canyon University. Richard Nagbe Koon stands as a multifaceted individual, blending academic excellence, legislative prowess, and a passion for community service.
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