IPNEWS: Bong County Electoral District #6 Representative Hon. Moima Briggs-Mensah has responded to recent comments made by Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee questioning the use of the title “Honorable” by members of the Legislature.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Ms. Gbowee challenged the use of the title by lawmakers, arguing that the designation should be earned through years of dedicated service and integrity rather than routinely used by elected officials.
Among other comments, she wrote:
“What I can’t stand is them introducing themselves, ‘I am Honorable XY’; who gave you that name? Who told you that you are honorable?… Stop calling those people honorable. Honorable is a title that comes with a lot of responsibilities. It is earned through years of dedicated service with integrity.”
Responding in a statement posted on her official social media platform, Representative Briggs-Mensah maintained that the title “Honorable” is attached to the constitutional office held by elected lawmakers and is not a personal designation assumed by individual members.
“With due respect, my Nobel Laureate,” Representative Briggs-Mensah wrote, “the law confers the title ‘Honorable’ on the office, not on personal opinion. We did not name ourselves; the Republic recognizes the office we hold.”
The Bong County lawmaker emphasized that while public officials should be held accountable for their actions, criticism should be directed at individual officeholders rather than the constitutional institutions they serve.
“If an officeholder fails the people, criticize the individual, not the institution,” she stated. “Respect for public offices is essential, even while demanding accountability from those who occupy them.”
Representative Briggs-Mensah further noted that public scrutiny of elected officials is both necessary and welcome, but cautioned against dismissing the constitutional offices established under Liberia’s democratic system.
“We welcome scrutiny, but not the dismissal of constitutional offices or the respect attached to them,” she added.
In a personal remark concluding her response, Representative Briggs-Mensah reaffirmed her identity beyond public office, stating:
“By the way, my name is not only Moima Dabah Briggs-Mensah, Ellen Fatu Kolley Kromah daughter.”
The exchange has generated public discussion on social media regarding the constitutional recognition of official titles, accountability in public service, and the distinction between respect for public institutions and criticism of the conduct of individual officeholders.
