Monrovia – Liberia’s controversial talk show host and political commentator, Henry Costa, says his desire to become a lawmaker will in no way stop him from advocating for the Liberian people through his radio program.
Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Speaking to hundreds of supporters and residents of District #6 in Montserrado County at a voters registration jamboree organized by “Team Costa” over the weekend, Costa said since he expressed his desire to contest as representative of District 6, many of his follower and supporters have questioned whether he will continue his staunch advocacy when elected.
“Recently I have been familiarizing with the rules of the Honorable House of Representatives. And I say this to you, I have read nowhere in those rules, where a sitting member of a legislature cannot, while sitting, conduct a radio talk show.
It is not written anywhere. Therefore, I shall not only be a representative, I shall be political commentator Henry Costa,” he asserted.
District No. 6 is expected to be vacated by incumbent Edwin Melvin Snowe with several Liberians already lining up to fill the shoes of the former speaker who has made his intentions to run as a legislative conspirant in Bomi County.
He said being elected as lawmaker would give him more opportunities and privileges to carry on robust advocacy.
“The entire House of Representatives is afraid of the Costa Show. Imagine when I do become a member of the House of Representatives, and then you combine official authority with the ‘Costa Show;’ the combination of the two is a cataclysm.
“It will send fear down their spines. They will know that when I look at them in their eyes while they advocate against your interest and for themselves, I will be reporting them to you the very next day. And this time, it won’t be second hand but first hand,” Costa averred.
Costa disclosed that the current members of the Legislature get over US$40 million as salary, while majority of the nation’s citizens live on less than US$1.00 a day; something he described as unfair.
He promised that when elected he would waive 30 percent of his salary and benefits and would petition his colleagues to do the same.
“I believe the reason why I want to be your representative is for you to say, if Hon. Costa can do it.
Representative John Brown can do it. I will give up 30% of my salary and benefit. My very first communication is to ask plenary to take a voluntary 30% cut and increase the salary of our immediate staffs. And that will place my colleagues against their own staffers. And my first bill shall seek to empower Liberian entrepreneurs,” he said.
Describing Liberia as a lost soul wandering in the wilderness, the talk show host turned politician vowed to push of the establishment of an anti-corruption court; something he said that President Sirleaf has failed to do, despite making the pledge in two separate Annual Messages.
The Jamboree was characterized by speeches and voters registration messages from officials of the All Liberian Party and the community residents and musical performances by some of Liberia’s popular artistes including Soul Fresh and Queen V.
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