Liberia: Pres. Boakai’s State of the Nation Address to Transfer from Capitol Building

CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – President Joseph Boakai’s second annual message, generally known as the State of the Nation Address, won’t be delivered on the Capitol Building, in keeping with Rep. James Kolleh, Chairman of the Rules, Order, and Administration Committee of the Majority Bloc.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]

Addressing reporters on the Monrovia City Hall on Monday on the shut of session, Rep. Kolleh attributed the relocation to the destruction of the William R. Tolbert Joint Chamber by fireplace.
The Joint Chamber, is the place the President, as per constitutional mandate, addresses the joint bicameral legislature on the fourth working Monday of January. The deal with outlines the state of the nation and the President’s legislative agenda for the following yr.

However, in December, the chamber was engulfed in flames, an incident that has left the nation in shock. The fireplace has sparked accusations from opposing factions within the House of Representatives, with investigations by the Liberia National Police nonetheless ongoing.

Venue in Question

With January 27, the date of this yr’s State of the Nation Address, quick approaching, considerations have arisen over the venue for the occasion. Lawmakers have confirmed that renovation work on the Joint Chamber won’t be accomplished in time.

Rep. Kolleh didn’t disclose a definitive venue however talked about that discussions are ongoing between related legislative committees and the Executive Branch. Speculated venues embrace the Centennial Pavilion on Ashmun and Broad Streets, recognized for internet hosting main public occasions, the Monrovia City Hall, the place the Majority Bloc is at present holding its classes following the fireplace and the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, one other doable location.

Leadership Impasse and Venue Controversy

The destruction of the Joint Chamber has additionally underscored the continued management disaster within the House of Representatives. Before the fireplace, the Majority Bloc had used the chamber to carry classes in protest towards Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, whom they accuse of corruption and battle of curiosity—allegations Speaker Koffa has denied.

Complicating issues additional is the contentious election of Speaker Richard Koon by the Majority Bloc, which the Executive Branch and the Liberian Senate acknowledge. Pro-Koffa lawmakers proceed to contest Koon’s legitimacy, additional deepening the deadlock.

Amid these tensions, the Majority Bloc’s Monday session took an sudden flip when 4 members of the Pro-Koffa group—Reps. Sumo Mulbah (CDC, Montserrado District #3), Priscilla Cooper (Montserrado District #5), Romeo Quioh (Sinoe District #1), and one other unnamed lawmaker—joined their session at Monrovia City Hall.
Speaker Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah welcomed their colleagues and referred to as for reconciliation between the 2 factions to deal with serving the Liberian folks.

What Lies Ahead

With the management disaster and logistical challenges unresolved, all eyes are on the Legislature because the date for President Boakai’s annual message approaches.