The President of Liberia, H.E. Dr. George M. Weah, today addresses members of the 4th Session of the 54th National Legislature in a Joint Session on Capitol Hill.
The President’s action aligns with Article 58 of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia which, among other things, notes, “The President shall, on the fourth working Monday in January of each year, present the administration’s legislative program for the ensuing session, and shall once a year report to the Legislature on the state of the Republic. In presenting the economic condition of the Republic, the report shall cover expenditures as well as incomes.”
Today’s occasion shall witness a convergence of dignitaries from different spheres of life, ranging from civil society organizations, heads of political parties, heads of religious organizations to members of the diplomatic corps, the full bench of the Supreme Court of Liberia, as well as traditional leaders.
This year’s presentation of the government’s legislative program marks the fourth since the ascendancy of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government to state power.
One cannot predict or preempt what and how the administrative program of the government would be in exact terms, but what is certain is that today’s presentation shall contain a giving account of monies received either in the form of grants as budget support or loans for government targeted projects. The President’s message to the Legislature shall also cover specifics in expenditures of the administration and speak to debts either inherited and or incurred in the discharge of duty during the past session.
He shall also advance suggestions to the lawmakers in the presence of foreign diplomats from friendly nations and multinational corporations. He shall also speak to how he had hoped to see his government proceed in dealing with the issue of national security, education policy, defense policy, etc.
The President might also delve into how his administration intends to handle the issue of civil servants’ pay, job creation, foreign aids, how to attract foreign direct investment, revenue growth or decline, etc.
The President could also use the platform to appeal for assistance from Liberia’s international partners for the scrupulous enhancement of peace and nonviolent political and economic interaction, thereby pledging the availability of a cordial business environment that will promote genuine peace that will ensure more job creation for Liberia’s youthful population.
The President’s appearance before members of the 54th National Legislature today comes at the time when the country has had a special midterm senatorial election, with two by-elections and a national referendum.
The two by-elections emanate from the sad passing of two partisan lawmakers from the President’s Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Representative Munah Pelham Youngblood, Montserrado County’s electoral district #9, and Representative Jay Nagbe Sloh, Sinoe County’s electoral district #2.
The President, it is believed, will pay a special tribute to all those who have died before this auspicious national convocation, with emphasis to be placed on officials who have passed while in active service.
Liberian citizens, both at home and in the diaspora, are anticipating the annual message to address the complexities that beclouds the nation’s economy.
In his 3rd Annual Message last year, H.E. George M. Weah emphasized concerns relating to problems triggered by the global economic crisis and the need to amend some existing laws which he believed would help improve the economic growth and development in the social advancement of the country.