Monrovia — The absence of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Home Speaker Richard Koon, and Senate Professional Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence from Liberia’s 178th Nationwide Flag Day celebration has stirred widespread concern and debate over authorities dedication to nationwide traditions.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972) – [email protected]
Nationwide Flag Day, noticed yearly on August 24, commemorates the primary hoisting of the Liberian flag in 1847 after its completion by a gaggle of seven girls led by Susanna Lewis.
This yr, the date fell on Sunday, August 24, however the official ceremony was held on Monday, August 25, on the Centennial Pavilion in Monrovia.
Regardless of coming back from the Tokyo Worldwide Convention on African Improvement (TICAD) on August 23, President Boakai and a number of other senior officers—together with the Vice President and newly appointed Chief Justice Yamie Gbeisay—had been noticeably absent from this system.
Their absence didn’t go unnoticed. “The President, VP Koung, Speaker Koon, Professional Temp Karnga, and Chief Justice Gbeisay all boycotted this system. Working a rustic shouldn’t be simple certainly. They’re drained,” wrote Isaac Doe, a supporter of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), in a viral social media publish.
The Govt Mansion has but to supply an official rationalization, however Lawyer Basic and Minister of Justice, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, represented the President on the occasion.
The celebration featured the standard college parade and competitions. St. Teresa’s Convent took first place, adopted by William V.S. Tubman Excessive College and Emily Basis Academy. Ann Sandell Impartial Excessive College was acknowledged as probably the most disciplined, whereas Monrovia Faculty was awarded greatest dressed.
Delivering the keynote deal with, Cllr. Dr. Jallah A. Barbu—chairman of the Battle and Financial Crimes Courtroom—lamented the absence of senior leaders and urged the federal government to raise the ban on the Poro and Sande societies, conventional cultural establishments restricted underneath the Weah administration.
“The institution of the Battle and Financial Crimes Courts is to honor the greater than 250,000 who perished and to face with survivors,” Barbu declared, stressing that justice and accountability stay very important to Liberia’s future.
On behalf of President Boakai, Minister Tweh delivered a quick message reflecting on Liberia’s turbulent historical past whereas urging unity:
“Liberia was as soon as a shining star in Africa, however political instability brought about critical setbacks. As we rejoice the 178th anniversary of the Lone Star, we should rebuild our nationwide cloth and transfer ahead as one indivisible individuals.”
Nonetheless, the absence of the nation’s high management from such a symbolic event has fueled questions on transparency, accountability, and the worth positioned on nationwide traditions.
