By: Leila Baryonnoh Gbati

Liberian Advocates for Change Through Social Justice and Human Rights has petitioned the House of Representatives to address the needs of the Liberian people before their six years term is over.

Bearly one day after the speakership elections of the House of Representatives and the first sitting, the advocacy group in its petition has put forth several issues that they expect the 55th legislators to address within six years.

The group on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, gathered at the Capitol Building in Monrovia to present their petition.

Presenting the petition, the group through its Chief Executive Office (CEO) of Emmanuel Beyan Tarnue said Article I of the 1986 constitution states that all power is inherent in the people however, in 2023 the Liberian people voted for the incoming government of President-elect Joseph Boakai and therefore they must honor the wishes of the ordinary people.

According to Tarnue, the Liberian people are the employer of the government and they have the power to remove them when the needs of the people are not met.

“We have the power to remove this government when unsatisfied without them ending the six to nine-year tenure”.

Tarnue demanded the government elect to adhere to all of their promises before the end of their tenure.

He added that they look forward to the government addressing their wishes including quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare sectors, a better education system that encompasses the constitution, civic and voter education, a productive agriculture sector that will empower farmers, and better road connectivity to enhance physical networking.

He said that education stands tall amongst Liberians aspirations adding that “we want this incoming government to seek for concession agreement and revisit all concessions agreement as well as the legal drugs enforcement law. We cannot ignore the drugs increment and we want drug dealers to tackle”.

“We are confident that our wishes will be paramount and a cornerstone for this government to address. Article 17 of the constitution also states that we the Liberian people have the power and right to instruct the government on how to govern the country.”, he noted.

Tarnue further emphasized that the Liberians have the power to ensure the economic and social well-being of the country according to Article 6.

He mentioned that based on their petition they will follow up with the government for progress reports every 18 months.