Monrovia – Lawmakers are completing the final lap of their last round at the Capitol with many of them hoping to get the endorsement of their people to embark on the marathon again.
However, not many of them were able to meet the expectations of their people, some tried, and some flopped while others did not even know their functions at the Capitol.
Liberians have over the past few years nurtured their political sense and issues pertaining to government. They’ve come to the realization that most of the challenges the country faces is to some extent due to bad legislations that are either made or endorsed by the National Legislature.
For this reason, 2017 appears to offer a new opportunity to hope for a brighter future. This hope is born out of a keen observation of the performance of Representatives and Senators at the Capitol.
In 2016, the National Legislature was engulfed so many controversies – some of which had a negative trickledown effect on the public. While they’re in the last round of their final lap, the public and FrontPage Africa have been paying keen attention and observation to some of the unfolding at the Capitol.
Our keen attention and observation has enabled us at the FrontPageAfrica to come up with a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of lawmakers and what the 2017 prospects look like for them.
Rep. Tokpa Mulbah, (PEOPLE UNIFICATION PARTY), District #1, BONG COUNTY
THE LOWDOWN: Rep. Tokpa Mulbah has been a member of the House since 2006. He serves as Co-Chair on the Committee on Elections and Inauguration and a member of Good Governance and Governance Reform; National Security.
2016 HIGHS: With 2017 in the horizon and with Rep. Mulbah eyeing a re-election, in 2016 there has been a lot of changes in his electoral District #1.
From rehabilitating dilapidated roads to building new ones, and constructing schools in Kpaii – his native district – for citizens of the district Rep. Mulbah is considered as one lawmaker in the county who has kept his colleagues on their toes in doing more for their respective districts.
The lawmaker provided US$ 2,000 to procure fuel for the county road building equipment to rehabilitate roads in the district in 2016.
He spearheaded development revolution in the district. The most celebrated of Rep. Mulbah’s projects in the district are in education and healthcare.
2016 LOWS: With all the achievements recorded in 2016, some members of his district branded his initiatives as “late development”, probably because of his ambition to seek a third term. He has also been criticized for not contributing to discussion on the floor in plenary.
GRADE: C
REP. PRINCE KERMUE MOYE, DISTRICT #2, BONG COUNTY
THE LOWDOWN: The Unity Party lawmaker was elected to the House in 2011. Currently, he serves as a member of the Committee on Elections and Inauguration, Labor, Peace, Religion and National Reconciliation. He’s also a member of Good Governance and Government Reform; National Security Committees.
2016 HIGHS: The year 2016 witnessed massive development in Bong County Electoral District #2 considering Representative Moye’s fulfillment of his pledge to complete existing projects before starting new ones.
Among his achievements in 2016 were introduction of free health care system dubbed as “mobile clinic” that transports sick people across the district and the facilitating training of traditional midwives.
Rep. Moye in 2016 provided L$1 million as tuition aid, which saw over 1,000 students of the district benefiting.
Rep. Moye, during the year under review, recorded one of his greatest legislative successes when he lobbied with his colleagues at the National Legislature to give his district a status – an achievement that has seen the district benefit from lots of development projects sponsored by the county.
To members of the districts, the infrastructural standing of District #2 is a shining testimony of the lawmaker’s modest success of the year.
Citing good road network, residents of the District say there is the need to celebrate. For example, the Kokoyah-Gbarnga highway that had been in ruins since the formation of the district had been rehabilitated, thanks to the lawmaker’s intervention.
2016 LOWS: Rep. Moye will have to concentrate more in the Samay area despite recently providing the town with DSTV set and other entertainment equipment valued at over US$ 1,000.
Rep. Moye also had his name in dirty waters – he was accused of rape, but the police later dropped charges when they could not gather sufficient evidence to back the accusation.
GRADE: B
George Mulbah (NPP), District 3, BONG COUNTY
THE LOWDOWN: He has been a member of the House since 2006. Currently he serves as member the Labor and National Security Committees.
2016 HIGHS: Rep. Mulbah in 2016 recorded some modest achievements in electoral District #3, especially in the area of road construction and rehabilitation.
The District # 3 lawmaker in 2016 rehabilitated over 10 roads within the District.
Since re-elected on October 11, 2011, Rep. George Mulbah has increased efforts to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the District.
Mulbah, during the start of his second term, promised to complete all ongoing projects in the district.
In fulfillment of this pledge, he embarked on tour of towns and villages to commission projects that were already completed.
This included the dedication of the Kparnyah and Gbarney Roads, boreholes that were constructed across villages and towns in the three clans and other people-centered projects.
Rep. Mulbah in 2016 embarked on many feeder roads which to a large extent connected the rural communities to urban centers to enhance the transportation of farm produce and commodities.
2016 LOWS: Many believed the lawmaker was concentrating developments only in his native clan. He was accused by some of his colleagues as being one of those who received bribe for the removal of former Speaker Alex Tyler. Such allegation was not proven.
GRADE: C
LESTER PAYE, DISTRICT #4, INDEPENDENT, BONG COUNTY
THE LOWDOWN: Rep. Paye joined the Legislature in 2012 and serves as Co-Chair on National Defense and a member on the Hydrocarbon Technical, Judiciary, National Security, Public Account and Expenditure Committees.
2016 HIGHS: Representative Lester Paye’s focus in 2016 had been on completing projects either started by his predecessor, Edwin Juah or initiating new ones.
In fact, the District #4 lawmaker during the start of his tenure his declared that he would give priority to completing projects left by his predecessor rather than embarking on new projects.
He believed that abandoning such projects would not augur well for the District. One of the main uncompleted projects left by the former Representative Juah was the Yowee Clinic, which was completed with funding from the National Budget through the lawmaker’s intervention.
2016 LOWS: When Representative Paye became lawmaker of District #4 five years ago, he said the vision of the District had not been fulfilled and so he was going to ensure the District reached its full potential.
“Though we appreciate the achievements of our predecessor, we acknowledge the fact that our District is far from reaching its potentials. Our collective vision for the district is yet to be fulfilled,” he said.
However, five years on, it has been a mixed grill of unfulfilled promises and plans. His failure to deliver an ambulance promised the people of Zota District has taken a toll on his entire leadership as lawmaker of the district.
GRADE: D
REP. EDWARD KARFIAH, NDC, DISTRICT #5, BONG COUNTY
THE LOWDOWN: Rep. Karfiah was elected to the House in 2011 on the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) ticket. He’s a member on the Committee for Post and Telecommunications and Youth & Sports.
2016 HIGHS: Rep. Edward Karfiah in 2016 in spite of the many controversies tackled his challenges head-on. Rep. Karfiah has made education a pivotal program of his administration.
With rebranding as his start-off point, the National Democratic lawmaker sought to initiate a new social order in the district before he started to deal with the crux of the issues confronting the district.
Overhauling of the education sector in the district was one of his key goals. About US$2,000 was sunk into education for 2016 through the National Budget.
Plans to enlist teachers of the district who were not on government’s payroll were also on the table.
There is the District #5 Youth Empowerment Scheme which has employed over 500 youths in the district.
2016 LOWS: The challenges now confronting Representative Karfiah’s leadership is the political attrition between him and Internal Affairs Minister Dr. Henrique Tokpah.
The situation is said to be threatening Representative Karfiah’s leadership in the district, considering Dr. Tokpa’s political influence and his group, Friends of Tokpa, in the district.
GRADE: B
REP. BILL ADAM CORNEH, (NPP), DISTRICT #6, BONG COUNTY
THE LOWDOWN: Prior to his elections to the national Legislature, Hon. Corneh worked with the Firestone Rubber Plantation Company as Rubber Broker and later as Purchaser. He serves as Co-Chairman: Public Utilities; Co-chairman: Transport Member: Youth & Sports Committee.
2016 HIGHS: The lawmaker made name for himself during his first tenure when he initiated several people-centered projects. The lawmaker spent much of 2016 “strategizing” how to confront 2017, probably to woo citizens for his re-election.
2016 LOWS: In his first term, he attempted rehabilitating roads in the district but none is yet to be attached to his name.
GRADE: D
RICHMOND ANDERSON, DISTRICT #12, MONTSERRADO COUNTY
THE LOWDOWN: He was elected to the 53rd Legislature in 2011 and has chaired the House Committee on Information, Broadcasting, Culture and Tourism. He is also a member of Hydrocarbon Technical Maritime Affairs; Rules, Order and Administration Committees.
2016 HIGHS: Upon his ascendancy to the Legislature, Rep. Anderson has been in the vanguard of proffering communications, especially for the construction and rehabilitation of roads in his district. He also stood firm in representing the plights of members of his district who were being evacuated from the Monrovia Industrial Park by the Government of Liberia.
Anderson was instrumental in the orchestration that led to the removal of Representative J. Alex Tyler as Speaker for his alleged role in the Sable Mining alleged bribery scandal.
2016 LOWS: Rep. Anderson has constantly come under the criticism of his constituents for not adequately representing them at the level of the Legislature. He also never introduced any bill to plenary since his election.
GRADE: C
2017 OUTLOOK: Rep. Anderson has to really tie his waist tight in the remaining few months before election. There is the high tendency that he would not be re-elected by the district.
HANS BARCHUE, GRAND BASSA COUNTY, DISTRICT #1
THE LOWDOWN: Rep. Barchue currently serves as Deputy Speaker of the House. He was elected in 2011 on the Liberty Party’s ticket. He’s yet to rid himself of the stigma surrounding the alleged misapplication of US$1.2 million intended for the controversial national wide oil consultations on the passage of the new petroleum law in 2014. Barchue was one of the masterminds behind the ousting of Rep. J. Alex Tyler to whom he also served as deputy Speaker.
2016 HIGHS: Deputy Speaker in 2016 aided in the construction of a market structure, student resource center, police deport, donation of motorbikes to some young people in the district and also furthered his loan scheme. Barchue also donated a bus o his district.
2016 LOWS: The Deputy Speaker, perhaps thinking that he could win the Speakership position was one of the master brains behind the ousting of former Speaker Tyler. He presided over separate sessions parallel to sessions being conducted and presided over by former Speaker Tyler. His action and that of the cohorts was tearing the legislature apart and put the country at a standstill at the detriment of ordinary citizens.
GRADE: C
2017 OUTLOOK: Re-election will be tough for Barchue in 2017 as he might likely face contenders like the former President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, Gbezhongar M. Findley who be believed to be preparing to contest Grand Bassa District # 1 electoral seat. If elected in 2017, his chances of retaining his post as Deputy Speaker is very slim.
JAMES P. BINEY, MARYLAND COUNTY DISTRICT #1
THE LOWDOWN: Representative Biney is one of the longest serving lawmaker in the House of Representatives. He served during the transitional government of Gyude Bryant and has served the 52nd and 53rd Legislature.
2016 HIGHS: For the few times he was in session, he made a difference through his arguments. He will be remembered by his colleagues for his crucial rule in scrutinizing the new oil law and pointing out the ‘alteration’ made by the executive after it was passed by the Legislature. He is one of few lawmakers who is greatly loved his people.
2016 LOWS: He was habitually absent from session during the period under review.
GRADE: C
2017 OUTLOOK: With his disclosure that he will not contest the electoral seat in 2017, it is expected that he would be playing a vital role for the National Patriotic Party (NPP) during the 2017 elections.
GEORGE BLAMOH, GRAND KRU COUNTY DISTRICT #1
THE LOWDOWN: The Unity Party lawmaker has been serving the Legislature since 2006. He is the former Chairman of Executive, Investment, Concessions; Ways Means, Finance/Development Planning. He introduced National Procreation Reservation Act and also proffered Amendment to the Amendment to the Public Health Law.
2016 HIGHS: He was instrumental in the ratification of the protocol permitting Liberia’s ascendancy to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
During the period under review, he proffered several bills including: Equal Opportunity Public Education Bill, Democratic Enhancement and Firearms and Ammunition Control Bill.
2016 LOWS: Not much is known of his activities in his district.
GRADE: C
2017 OUTLOOK: With being known of his activities in his district, Rep. Blamo will, perhaps, have to beef up his media relations in 2017 ahead of elections.
JEH BYYRON BROWNE, GRAND BASSA, DISTRICT #4
THE LOWDOWN: The Grand Bassa lawmaker joined the Legislature in 2006 on the ticket of the Liberty Party. He serves as chairman of Rules, Order and Administration. Brown is also a member of the Committee on Contracts, Monopolies, Public Procurement and Concessions.
2016 HIGHS: Rep. Byron Browne was active in deliberations at session during the period under review. He was regular in session and was firmed in the call for the establishment of war crimes court in Liberia.
2016 LOWS: During the period under review, he was accused of masterminding the manhandling of Journalist Wremongar Joe of Prime FM.
GRADE: C
2017 OUTLOOK: Rep. Byron Browne will have to work his fingers to the bones if he should be re-elected by his constituents.
BHOFAL CHAMBERS, MARYLAND COUNTY
THE LOWDOWN: Dr. Bhofal Chambers who crossed over from the ruling Unity Party to the main opposition Congress for Democratic Change has since been a formidable critic of government. He has served the legislature since 2006 and has always remained a member of the Committees on National Defense and Foreign Affairs.
2016 HIGHS: He has written several communications including one resisting any attempt by the Executive to submit a bill calling for the ratification of new oil concession. A communication asking plenary to mandate its committees on Public Accounts and Expenditure and the Judiciary to review a letter requesting the auditing of 12 government ministries and 12 concession companies.
He on several occasions called for an official inquiry, in allegation that government spent more than US$200 million in lobbying fees to foreign firms in the United States. He has always been a strong advocating voice for the people of Maryland County.
2017 LOWS: He’s noted for his habitual absence from session.
2017 OUTLOOK: Rep. Chambers had always had an easy ride to the Legislature. Well, let’s see if 2017 will put up a surprise.
CHRISTIAN CHEA, RIVER GEE COUNTY, DISTRICT #2
THE LOWDOWN: The Unity Party member joined the Legislature in 2006. He is a member of the Committee on Education and Public Affairs, Maritime Affairs, Peace, Religion and National Reconciliation.
2016 HIGHS: While not much information on his activities in his district is available, Rep. Chea is noted for his regularity in session during the period under review.
2016 LOWS: Though very regular in session, Rep. Chea hardly makes contributions to discussions on the floor. During the year under review, he was accused of soliciting tips from foreign investors who had Liberians working for them under bad labor practices. He, however, denied the allegation.
GRADE: D
2017 OUTLOOK: His presence is hardly felt in session. If Rep. Chea has any intention of returning to the House after the 2017 elections, he must take advantage of the few months remaining to make himself more marketable as Liberians as now demanding more.
JOHNSON T. CHEA, RIVER GEE COUNTY, DISTRICT #1
THE LOWDOWN: Rep. Johnson T. Chea ascended to the legislature in 2012 on the ticket of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC).
He served as Chair on the Committee for Health and Social Welfare. He’s also a member of the Committee on Gender Equity, Child Development, Social Services, Public Works and Rural Development.
2016 HIGHS: He’s one of few lawmakers pushing the Domestic Violence Act of Liberia and has written several communications on behalf of health workers. He’s appreciated for his continuous presence in session.
2016 LOWS: He is one of the lawmakers who barely made contribution on the floor except for the communications he puts on the floor.
GRADE: D
2017 OUTLOOK: Rep. Johnson Chea upon return from the Agriculture Break in January 2017 has to ensure the passage of the Domestic Violence Act of Liberia.
ROLAND OPEE COOPER, MARGIBI COUNTY, DISTRICT #1
THE LOWDOWN: The Margibi District #1 lawmaker was elected on the Liberty Party ticket in 2012. He serves as a member the Claims and Petitions; Human and Civil Rights, Labor, Ways, Means and Finance/Development Planning Committees.
2016 HIGHS: Not much can be said of his achievements and contributions in the Legislature but he spoke strongly against mob violence and stated that there was a need for the House to put in measure to curb the situation as it threatens the peace and security of the state.
2016 LOWS: He was suspended three months without pay for attempting to fight the former Speaker in the first failed attempt to have him ousted. He hardly attends session and when in session he hardly contributes to discussion on the floor.
ACAROUS GRAY, MONTSERRADO COUNTY, DISTRICT #8
THE LOWDOWN: Representative Moses Acarous Gray was elected to the House of Representative in the 2011 elections. Currently, he chairs the House Committee on Good Governance and Government Reform Good Governance and he’s also a member of the Public Utilities; Youth & Sport Committees.
2016 HIGHS: Rep. Gray’s participation in deliberation on the floor is well recognized. He has written several communications on behalf of his district and country. He has carryout some self-help developmental projects in his district.
2016 LOWS: He was linked to a vehicle which was stolen from the United States. He, however, described the allegation as unfounded. He’s also faced a lot of criticisms in his district for failing to live up to his campaign promises.
GRADE: D
2017 OUTLOOK: Rep. Gray will have to strengthen his relationship with members of his district if he wants re-election.
EDWIN M. SNOWE, MONTSERRADO COUNTY, DISTRICT #16
THE LOWDOWN: Rep. Snowe has represented District #16 at the House of Representatives since January 2006, and he was Speaker from January 2006 to February 2007. He serves chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee.
At ECOWAS Parliament, Rep. Snowe serves as Vice Chairman, Committee on Admin and Finance, Budget Control and Audit. He’s one of few lawmakers that are loved by their people. Snowe was a key campaigner for the removal of former Speaker J. Alex Tyler after he was accused by Global Witness of soliciting and receiving bribe from Sable Mining. The accusation is yet to be proven.
Rep. Snowe has promised not to re-run in his district in 2017. He was recently petitioned by some citizens in Bomi County where he originates from and has a large plantation. Signs are that he may likely accept the petition. He has not only been a lawmaker, but also a philanthropist – a virtue which has been the secret behind his successes at the Legislature and in his district.
2016 HIGHS: In addition to making adequate representation of Liberia at the ECOWAS Parliament, Snowe has been advocating for employment of more Liberians at the regional parliament due to the under representation of Liberians at that level. The Liberian lawmaker has also been pushing for the improvement of the regional parliament’s budget.
On the local front, Snowe introduced several bills including: An Act seeking to establish “Eid al-Adha” (Abraham’s Day) as a national holiday. When passed into law, Eid al-Adha, which is globally observed by Muslims, the day will be celebrated as a national holiday, thereby granting Muslims in the country the leverage for the first time to commemorate a holiday which is supported by legislation.
2016 LOWS: Snowe was criticized for being a lead advocate for the removal of former Speaker Tyler. He also went at loggerheads with lawmakers from Bomi County after he was petitioned by some citizens of the county to represent them at the Legislature. He’s however, yet to respond to the petition.
GRADE: B+
2017 OUTLOOK: Projections show that Snowe stands a brighter chance of re-election in 2017 irrespective of where he contests, provided he keeps his records clean.
ALEX TYLER, BOMI COUNTY, DISTRICT #2
THE LOWDOWN: The once third powerful man in the country had a very rough 2016. His misfortune started from being entangled in an alleged bribery scandal to being removed from the lucrative position heat of the media over his million dollar hotel and restaurant along the Robertsfield Highway.
2016 HIGHS: Upon recognizing that his refusal to recuse himself as presiding officer was creating economic and security problems for the country, Tyler, for the sake of peace, stepped aside for the will of the majority to prevail.
2016 LOWS: One can say that Tyler’s political reputation need some repair. He lost the position as Speaker of the House at the same time facing trial for alleged acts of bribery and corruption. He’s said to have used his position to solicit and take bribes for the performance of his duty.
GRADE: F
2017 OUTLOOK: Tyler may be of the opinion that forming a coalition with the main opposition Congress for Democratic Change would restore his missing prominence in the 2017 elections. His return to the Legislature is not impossible but will require him passing through the eye of a needle.
EMMANUEL NUQUAY, MARGIBI COUNTY, DISTRICT #5
THE LOWDOWN: The Margibi lawmaker who has been in House since 2006 is one of the true noble men known in the House of Representatives. Prior to becoming Speaker upon the ousting of Rep.
Tyler, Nuquay served as Chairman for the Good Governance, Government Reform, Human and Civil Rights Committees. He also served the Post & Telecommunications, Resettlement, Repatriation, Relief and Readjustment Committees.
2016 HIGH: Without anticipation from the public, Nuquay emerged as the new Speaker after Tyler got the vote of no confidence from his colleagues. Upon his ascendancy to the new portfolio, Nuquay initiated a process to reconcile his colleagues and assured them of working with them to ensure their re-election in the 2017 elections.
GRADE: B
2017 OUTLOOK: The executive and general public waits to see the speed and carefulness that would be attached to ratifying and enacting bill and acts presented before the House.