Foko Urges House to Strike Balanced Political Space After Ex-President's Sirleaf Appearance

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Montserrado County District #9 Representative, Frank Saah Foko, has called on the House of Representatives to show political neutrality in its national dialogue, saying the immediate past President, George Weah, must be granted the same opportunity to address the body as Ex-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Ex-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was formally invited by the House of Representatives on Thursday, March 5, in a special sitting, where she spoke to series of national issues affecting the country, and dialogued with lawmakers.

Representative Foko described the move as necessary, but said it would be unfair and politically biased if the immediate past President George Weah, who hails from the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), is not recognized by the House to share his thoughts on current national issues.

Foko, who is a member of the CDC, said the House must solicit views from across the political spectrum to enhance its oversight and approach towards addressing the pressing challenges in Liberia.

Former President Weah has been a critical voice to the current Unity Party government led by President Joseph Boakai. Representative Frank Saah Foko said despite the House of Representatives being headed by a Speaker who supports the agenda of the regime, all former national leaders should be given fair space to engage lawmakers.

“If former President Sirleaf can be invited to speak on issues affecting the country, then former President George Weah also deserves the same opportunity,” he said.

The Lawmaker called on the leadership of the House, including Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, to ensure that the Legislature remains balanced and transparent in its engagement with national figures.

“It is the duty of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker to guarantee equal representation and provide an open platform for voices that can contribute meaningfully to national discussions,” Foko emphasized.

He argued that inviting Ex-President Weah from the opposition community to the Capitol would not only promote democratic inclusiveness but also help broaden conversations around governance, development, and the direction of the country.

The Montserrado Lawmaker warned that refusal by House leadership to address the request could have political implications. “If this matter is ignored, it could create serious political consequences for the current leadership of the House,” Foko warned.

His statement has already sparked discussions within political circles, as observers say the debate touches on broader issues of political fairness, representation, and the role of the Legislature in shaping national dialogue.