By Gareyson Y. Neufville
House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, accompanied by River Gee Count District #1 Representative, Alexander Poure, on Friday, December 19, 2025, were received at a well-organized ceremony in the Maryland County.
The groups of residents also praised Koon for his visit and interest in development projects, particularly, road connectivity in the Southeast.
Koon and party were received by people under the banners of “women groups, youth organizations, traditional leaders, and local government officials in the county.
The delegation that received the Speaker was led by the County Superintendent, Henry Cole, and other senior local authorities.
The program was held at the Pleebo City Hall, where residents gathered in large numbers.
At the ceremony, Koon spoke of national unity, governance, development, and the country future direction.
Commendation for Political Support
While addressing the gathering, Speaker Koon commended the people of Maryland County for their overwhelming support for the governing Unity Party, specifically during the 2023 presidential and legislative elections.
He recalled how Liberians demonstrated maturity, and responsibility by voting for a government committed to peace, stability, and development, despite intimidation from opposing political parties.
The outcome of the elections, Koon said, proved that Liberians are determined to move the country forward by electing leaders, who prioritize national unity, and the well-being of citizens.
“The Liberian people voted for a responsible government, and that government remains committed to transform the lives of Liberians.”
Speaker Koon highlighted road connectivity as a major development priority, especially road network that links Monrovia to the Southeast.
He said, for many years, travellers in the Southeast were forced to pass through La Côte d’Ivoire due to poor road conditions at home; a situation that strengthened the Ivorian economy at the expense of Liberia.
Koon assured citizens that the current government is fully committed to improve road infrastructure so travellers can freely commute in the country without relying on neighbouring routes.
He meanwhile, issued a strong warning against crimes (armed robbery), adding: “Liberia will no longer be handed over to armed robbers, who looted country’s resources for many years.”
“There is no more room for armed robbers in public offices; the country knows what armed robbers are capable of doing and should not give them attention or leadership opportunities.”
He continued: “When you vote for a responsible government, you enjoy peace and development. But when you vote for an irresponsible government, the people suffer.”
Speaker Koon also assured traditional leaders that he would engage his colleagues to address issues related to their salaries and welfare.
He said these concerns would be handled through the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure proper coordination and implementation.
Commitment to Education
In a related development, Speaker Koon, has committed himself to support education in the county by sponsoring students to study at Tubman University, and pursue academic opportunities outside the country.
He noted that this process would be done through consultations with the Office of the County Superintendent to ensure fairness and accountability.
The program concluded with community members appreciating Speaker Koon.
They him for his visit, and reaffirmed their support for peace, unity, and development in the county.