Koung Hails $1B+ Budget -Calls for Constructive Opposition and ARREST Execution

MONROVIA – Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr. used the opening of the Senate’s third regular session to strike a careful balance: praise the Legislature for passing a billion-dollar-plus national budget, salute opposition scrutiny as constitutional, but draw a line against what he termed personal attacks and “false allegations.” The statement is not only a unity pitch; it is also a political signal that the Boakai administration wants legislative cooperation to deliver the ARREST Agenda while managing public impatience—especially on job creation. The Analyst reports.

Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Sr. on Monday called on Liberian Senators to pursue bipartisan cooperation and policy-focused debate, warning that national progress is undermined when accountability devolves into personal attacks and destructive rhetoric.

Speaking at the commencement of the 55th National Legislature and the Third Regular Session of the Liberian Senate on January 12, 2026, Koung described the Senate as a pillar of governance and a guardian of accountability, urging lawmakers to keep constitutional promises alive through oversight and lawmaking.

Koung praised the Senate’s role in the passage of what he described as Liberia’s first national budget exceeding one billion United States dollars, calling it a milestone that signals national ambition and a readiness to “think bigger” and pursue greater results. He framed the achievement as evidence that progress is possible when national interest comes first.

In a message to both sides of the aisle, Koung commended the opposition for holding government accountable, but urged that scrutiny be rooted in dialogue, evidence, and policy debate.

He said accountability is most powerful when constructive, while warning that Liberia gains nothing from politics driven by personal attacks and false allegations.

To members of the ruling party, Koung urged discipline and humility, saying leadership should be judged by deliverables, not promises.

He acknowledged job creation as a national challenge, but said deliberate efforts are underway through execution of the national budget to expand electricity access, revitalize agriculture, strengthen infrastructure, and create conditions for a vibrant private sector.

He reaffirmed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.’s commitment to the full execution of the ARREST Agenda, presenting it as a framework for restoring confidence in public institutions, transforming lives, and building a resilient economy.

Koung concluded by urging Senators to ensure the session is remembered for unity and renewal—placing nation above party, dialogue above division, and service above self.