08/06/2025
READ!!! Lawmaker Sounds Alarm Over Violation of Concession Law, Advocates for Legal Compliance
MONROVIA: Hon. Bernard Blue Benson Jr., the Representative for Electoral District #17 and National Chairman of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), has issued a strong appeal for adherence to the rule of law amidst rising concerns regarding the implementation of the Liberia Traffic Management (LTM) Concession.
In a letter directed at key national officials, Hon. Benson, who ran under the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), highlighted the necessity for Liberia to uphold its democratic values, particularly regarding legal concessions that have undergone all required constitutional processes.
Despite being part of the opposition, Hon. Benson reiterated his dedication to supporting all development initiatives that serve the nation's interests. “Liberia holds greater significance than any political or religious affiliation,” he remarked, emphasizing the crucial roles of unity and legality in governance.
His primary concern is the ongoing conflict between the Ministry of Transport and the concessionaire, Liberia Traffic Management, a company authorized by both chambers of the Legislature and sanctioned by the Supreme Court.
Hon. Benson pointed out that the Ministry of Transport has been issuing driver’s licenses and registering vehicles through a different entity, MDMC, violating a directive from the Ministry of Justice and a communication from the Executive Office dated January 20, 2025.
“This is a deliberate and unacceptable disregard for the highest authority in the land,” Hon. Benson stated, referring to what he perceives as a troubling precedent that undermines both the Executive and Judicial branches. He cautioned that the ongoing breaches and stay orders on LTM’s operations contradict the Supreme Court’s ruling, which he described as “harassment and mockery” of judicial authority.
The lawmaker emphasized that if there are valid concerns regarding the current concession, the proper method would be to amend and correct the agreement through legislative processes rather than violating the law.
“Our nation, rich in potential, requires a positive reputation in trade to thrive,” Hon. Benson warned. “We must remember that potential trade partners and investors are closely observing our actions.”
The LTM Concession, enacted by the Legislature, was designed to modernize and enhance traffic management and related services in Liberia. However, the current deadlock between government ministries and the concessionaire could undermine investor confidence, according to Hon. Benson.
He is urging national leaders, especially the Executive, to take decisive measures to ensure that laws enacted by the Legislature and upheld by the judiciary are enforced impartially.
This situation arises at a pivotal moment when Liberia is aiming to attract new investments and collaborations to promote economic growth and infrastructure development.
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