Written by Julius Kanubah
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Former Interim President Amos Sawyer says the failure of the Legislature to pass the bill to amend Article 54 of the Constitution will be a lost opportunity.
Dr. Sawyer said without amending article 54 the issue of decentralization of government will be affected for at least six years.
Article 54 gives the President the power to appoint County Superintendents and other local officials.
However, the Governance Commission is seeking an amendment of the provision to ensure the election of County Superintendents and district commissioners.
Dr. Sawyer said the passage of the bill will lead to the decentralization of government with people’s participation in the governance process.
He made the statement Monday at a public hearing on the proposed constitutional amendment resolution.
Other speakers including Cecil Brandy of the Land Commission and Peter Kamei of the Internal Affairs Ministry supported the passage of the bill.
Also, Dan Saryee of the Liberia Democratic Institute and the lawyer of the National Elections Commission Cllr. Joseph Blidii urged the Legislature to approve the bill.
