House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon has announced that the official resumption of the House of Representatives in January 2026 will take place at the Providence Baptist Church on Broad Street, Monrovia.
The decision marks a historic departure from tradition, as it will be the first time in modern Liberian history that the Legislature convenes its opening session in a church rather than the Capitol Building.
The Speaker is beset by series of crisis ranging personal conflict with women claiming to be his wives and report he has lost majority support in the House.
Providence Baptist Church holds a revered place in Liberia’s national story. It was within its walls that the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1847, proclaiming Liberia’s sovereignty to the world. The church also served as the meeting ground for the country’s earliest lawmakers before the construction of the Capitol Building.
By returning to this site, Speaker Koon says lawmakers will be reminded of the nation’s founding ideals and the responsibility entrusted to them.
Speaking during the National Women Prayer Walk at the Capitol Building, Speaker Koon explained that the Legislature’s first sitting of 2026, scheduled for the second working Monday in January, will be held at the historic church.
He described the decision as a deliberate act of reflection and renewal. “If you want to jump further, you must take a step back,” Koon remarked, invoking a proverb to emphasize the importance of revisiting Liberia’s roots. He added that returning to the “old mat” symbolizes humility, recommitment, and a collective call to integrity in governance.
The Speaker underscored that the move is not merely ceremonial but intended to inspire lawmakers to embrace a renewed sense of duty. “This is about reminding ourselves of where we started, and where we must go. It is about governing with integrity and guiding Liberia toward the destiny she truly deserves,” he said. According to Koon, the symbolic sitting is expected to set the tone for a new era of responsible, people-centered leadership in 2026.
Political observers note that the decision carries both historical and contemporary significance. At a time when Liberia continues to grapple with challenges of governance, accountability, and public trust, convening at Providence Baptist Church may serve as a powerful reminder of the ideals upon which the nation was founded. Analysts suggest that such symbolism could help lawmakers reconnect with the public’s expectations and reinforce the moral weight of their legislative responsibilities.
The announcement has already sparked conversations among citizens and civil society groups. Some view the move as a welcome gesture of humility and national reflection, while others question whether symbolism alone can translate into tangible reforms. Critics argue that while the setting may inspire lofty rhetoric, the real test will be whether lawmakers deliver on promises of integrity, transparency, and people-centered governance once they return to the Capitol Building for regular sessions.
Nevertheless, the decision underscores Speaker Koon’s effort to frame 2026 as a year of renewal. By situating the Legislature’s first sitting at the birthplace of Liberia’s independence, he appears intent on reminding lawmakers—and the nation—that the principles of freedom, self-determination, and accountability remain as relevant today as they were nearly two centuries ago.
