KAKATA, Margibi County – Kakata City Mayor Eddie Gbarngawoe Seyboe and several local business owners are currently being investigated by Margibi County Superintendent OJay Morris, Jr. over allegations of violating President Joseph N. Boakai’s July 30 National Day of Prayer proclamation, which was observed as a public holiday across Liberia.
By: Yawah Y. Jaivey
In his official proclamation issued on July 28, President Boakai called on all religious leaders, residents, and institutions to participate in a day of prayer and reflection from 8 a.m., urging unity across religious and community lines. The president also mandated that all public offices, businesses, and marketplaces remain closed on this day to honor God’s guidance.
However, Mayor Seyboe faces criticism after reports emerged that he allegedly failed to enforce the holiday directive. It is claimed that he collected money from some store owners to allow their businesses to remain open, contrary to the presidential order requiring closures and cessation of normal activities nationwide.
In response to these allegations, Superintendent Morris has established an independent nine-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the enforcement or breach of the presidential proclamation. The investigation aims to determine whether local officials and business owners acted in accordance with national directives.
The committee, formed during a meeting with key county stakeholders on Friday, includes representatives from civil society, Margibi Rural Women, the Early Warning Community, and leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities.
Superintendent Morris emphasized the importance of impartiality and transparency, assigning the committee a seven-day deadline to complete its inquiry and submit findings and recommendations.
When contacted by FrontPageAfrica, Mayor Seyboe declined to comment publicly but stated that he is cooperating with the investigation. He added that he would speak to the media after consulting with the Kakata City Council.
