Capitol Hill, Monrovia – House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon has warned lawmakers of possible salary deductions amid mounting concerns over persistent absenteeism during legislative sittings, as declining attendance continues to disrupt proceedings in the House of Representatives.
Speaker Koon issued the warning Tuesday after a regular sitting of the House was cancelled for lack of a quorum, following the absence of a significant number of lawmakers.
Speaking to reporters assigned to the Capitol Building shortly after exiting the Chambers, Koon expressed frustration over what appears to be a recurring pattern of absenteeism, stressing that lawmakers who repeatedly fail to attend sessions could face disciplinary measures, including salary deductions.
“We want to send this message to the leadership. The leadership will take precise measures against members who are always absent,” Koon stated. “I am not losing control over the House. Not at all. I want to caution those legislators if they continue on this path, we will begin considering salary deductions for failing to do the Liberian people’s work on time.”
Koon’s remarks followed the cancellation of Tuesday’s regular sitting after the House failed to secure the constitutionally required quorum needed to conduct official business.
Article 33 of the 1986 Constitution provides that a minimum of 37 lawmakers must be present for the Legislature to legally proceed with its functions. However, attendance during Tuesday’s sitting on June 2, 2026 reportedly fell far below that threshold, forcing Speaker Koon to adjourn the session.
The development has heightened concerns over what some observers describe as a growing culture of absenteeism within the Legislature an issue many believe is gradually undermining the effectiveness and credibility of the House of Representatives.
Since the commencement of the 3rd Session, attendance in the House has reportedly declined significantly, with fewer than 50 lawmakers regularly present during sittings. The trend has fueled concerns about lawmakers’ commitment to their legislative responsibilities, particularly at a time when several pressing national issues require urgent deliberation.
Tuesday’s cancellation comes as lawmakers were expected to consider a number of key national matters, making regular attendance not only necessary for legislative productivity but essential to the effective functioning of the country’s democratic governance process.
