MONROVIA: In the darkest moments of Liberia’s economic and security crises, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has nominated several individuals to head various public ministries and agencies.
Prior to his ascendency to the Nation’s Presidency, Boakai consistently told the Nation: “We must discourage the culture of unfinished business, doing things in a haphazard and unserious manner; We must restore hope to ourselves, individually, and as a collectivity.”
“Prior to his ascendency, the Liberian economy was teetering. Today, it is sputtering facing dimmest prospects in decades, and leaders of the President ‘kitchen cabinet’ are learning the hard way,” said Peter Blama, a student of economics.
The President, since taking over has unveiled 22 individuals to bolster the confidence of both the public and private sectors.
But, after six years in opposition, appointments made by the Unity Party (UP) Alliance led new administration, according to its critics, represent a near concession by the new ruling elites.
Major positions bordering on the effectiveness of the economy and the national security sector fall short of appointments so far, another keen observer pointed out.
Mary Swen, a marketer, is of the opinion that some citizens rushed to praise the new President’s recent appointments.
But, in private, other commentators referred to said appointments as ‘pep-talk’ or “Save it for the suckers.”
By now, it becomes clear that the country’s economic problems are rooted in politics. At its core, one observer said, almost a week now, since President Boakai was inaugurated, the Minister of Justice, who is also Attorney General of Liberia, and Head of the National Joint Security Forces has not been confirmed by the Senate, the Upper House of Liberia’s bicameral Legislature.
“The President has not also appointed the Minister of National Defense and all of his/her principal deputies have also not been appointed. In law enforcement, the four Chiefs: Inspector General (IG) of the Liberia National Police (LNP); Commissioner of Liberia Immigration Service (LIS); Heads of Executive Protective Service (EPS) and the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) are yet to be appointed by President Boakai.
Other commentators are of the view that though the Minister of Finance and some of his principal deputies have been appointed along with the Commissioner General of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Heads of the above-mentioned key national security institutions should have been actively involved in the running of the country to avoid any possible breakdown.
At the very least, others commentators said, while there have been nominations of individuals to some of these crucial posts, the apparent delay in the confirmation of such presidential nominees, coupled with Senate prescribed protocols for confirmation are a cause to worry about as it relates to the preparedness of the new Liberian administration to swiftly meet the basic needs of the vast majority of ordinary citizens.
Jerry Sampson, who described himself a pro-democracy activist asked: “How embarrassing would it be for the nation to be addressed by the new President without minimum representation of the President’s cabinet members?”
None of the citizens who spoke separately with his paper said they expected President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence to reportedly delay the confirmation of key security and financial sectors officials who have been nominated by President Boakai. However, they stressed the need for the relevant state authorities to ensure speedy appointments of state officials for proper governance.
What is more scaring and worrisome is that the situation risks economic and security crises, a former security officer hinted this paper.
Meanwhile, President Boakai is expected to deliver his first State of Nation Address (SONA) at the Joint Session of the 55th National Legislature on Capitol Hill in Monrovia.
