By: Alex N. Mofageh
Mofagehalex1993@gmail.com
Gbarnga,Bong County-A group of Bong County Citizens under the Banner “United Citizens for Mass Action Against the Repeal of the Local Government Act of 2018 have petitioned the government of Liberia through the County’s Administration against the proposed amendment of certain provisions of the instrument by the National Legislature.
The proposed amendment Bill introduced by Grand Gedeh County District one Representative Jeremiah Sokan seeks to repeal Chapter 2.2(E), and (F) of the Local Government Act of 2018 of the Republic of Liberia which give municipal administration through the County Council the absolute authority to approve Counties Development plans, and Budgets, and the oversight responsibility to ensure the execution of Counties Developments agenda.
According to Representative Sokan, the proposed amendment bill is intended to give Counties Legislative Caucuses (Lawmakers) some oversight responsibilities over Counties Development plans and Budgets to ensure Transparency and Democratic Accountability, a move that has been greeted with strong resistance by Rights group across the Country.
In a petition statement delivered to the County’s administration for onward presentation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr, on Monday June 30, 2025 in Gbarnga, the group stated that the move by lawmakers to repeal the Local Government Act undermines the principles of decentralization, participatory democracy, and accountable governance which is the primary objectives of the decentralization citizens have worked for over the years.
According to the statement read and submitted to the leadership of the County by Comfort Giwlay on behalf of the citizens movement, the group said amending that portion of the Local Government Act will restore oversight powers to County lawmakers to manipulate Counties Development activities, with a call for the immediate withdrawal of the Bill.
“We strongly assert that this move undermines the principles of decentralization, participatory democracy, and accountable governance which is the primary objectives of the decentralization citizens have worked for over the years” the stated noted.
They stated that the amendment of the bill is a complete violation of democratic principles and rights based governance and further undermines transparency and accountability at the local levels with a call for immediate halt to the process.
The statement furthered that repealing that provision centralizes decisions making which it said has resulted into longstanding inefficiency, inequitable distribution of resources , and the marginalization of rural voices.
“Their action is counterproductive and if we allow it, we’ll be in Complete Mess and will result to double dipping if that law is repealed”
The United Citizens for Mass Action Against the Repeal of the Local Government Act of 2018 have urged lawmakers to avoid any amendment to the local government act that reduces the role of County Councils in the approval and management of County Development funds while requesting Public hearings on the matter.
“we call on all duty bearers to protect these principles and uphold the rule of laws” the petition further stated.
The peaceful march and petitioning event brought together the students Community, motorcyclists, marketers, and members of the intellectual class including ordinary citizens who came out in a large crowd to send a resounding message to the National Legislature through the County administration to with immediate effect abandon their attempt to repeal the Local Government Act in their own interest.
Meanwhile, the County Administrative Officer Mr. Sam Elliott who received the petition on behalf of the County’s Superintendent Madam Loleyah Hawa Norris applauded the group for their peaceful conduct with a commitment of delivering their petition to her for onward submission to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.
