MONROVIA, Montserrado – President George Weah will address the 54th National Legislature today on the state of the country’s economy, exactly one week after his inauguration.
Weah’s address is in consonance with the constitution, which requires the president to make an annual report to the legislature on the state of the country’s affairs and present his administration’s legislative programs for the ensuing session.
In his inaugural address, Weah made many vague promises. The State of the Nation address is expected to add specifics to many of the soaring rhetoric seen in the inaugural address.
The Liberian leader promised to narrow the gap between the rich and poor and end corruption by among other things paying civil servants a “living wage.†It is therefore expected that the president would make disclosures on plans to cut the salaries and benefits of public officials and improve the livelihood of civil servants in fulfillment of his pro-poor agenda.
Also high on the expectations of Liberians, especially students would be a disclosure on Weah’s campaign promise that government would take responsibility of paying for students taking the West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination.
Henric Speare, a former representative candidate in Margibi, said he wants the president to detail his reconciliation plan for the country and provide more information on his plans to fight corruption.
Speare also said he hopes that the president addresses concerns over his recent appointments and explain the geographical balance of his appointments.
“It is my hope that President Weah will also further expand on addressing the high expectation of the young people,†he said.
Meanwhile, a joint communication from the legislature has released the official protocol for the joint session of both the Senate and House of Representatives, which will host the President.
According to the release, ushering of guests begins at 2:30 p.m., and ends at 3:50 p.m., at which time no guests would be allowed enter the Capitol Building. Weah will deliver his address at 4:00 p.m. He would then be escorted out of the Joint Chamber to the Rotunda of the Capitol by the Joint Committee, where he will receive guests.
A reception in honor of Weah will be hosted by Speaker Bhofal Chambers and members of the legislature on the grounds of the Capitol Building.
Featured photo by Lloyd Massah
