CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – President Joseph Boakai’s second annual message, commonly referred to as the State of the Nation Address, will not be delivered at the Capitol Building, according to Rep. James Kolleh, Chairman of the Rules, Order, and Administration Committee of the Majority Bloc.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Addressing reporters at the Monrovia City Hall on Monday at the close of session, Rep. Kolleh attributed the relocation to the destruction of the William R. Tolbert Joint Chamber by fire.
The Joint Chamber, is where the President, as per constitutional mandate, addresses the joint bicameral legislature on the fourth working Monday of January. The address outlines the state of the nation and the President’s legislative agenda for the ensuing year.
However, in December, the chamber was engulfed in flames, an incident that has left the nation in shock. The fire has sparked accusations from opposing factions in the House of Representatives, with investigations by the Liberia National Police still ongoing.
Venue in Question
With January 27, the date of this year’s State of the Nation Address, fast approaching, concerns have arisen over the venue for the event. Lawmakers have confirmed that renovation work on the Joint Chamber will not be completed in time.
Rep. Kolleh did not disclose a definitive venue but mentioned that discussions are ongoing between relevant legislative committees and the Executive Branch. Speculated venues include the Centennial Pavilion on Ashmun and Broad Streets, known for hosting major public events, the Monrovia City Hall, where the Majority Bloc is currently holding its sessions following the fire and the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, another possible location.
Leadership Impasse and Venue Controversy
The destruction of the Joint Chamber has also underscored the ongoing leadership crisis in the House of Representatives. Before the fire, the Majority Bloc had used the chamber to hold sessions in protest against Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, whom they accuse of corruption and conflict of interest—allegations Speaker Koffa has denied.
Complicating matters further is the contentious election of Speaker Richard Koon by the Majority Bloc, which the Executive Branch and the Liberian Senate recognize. Pro-Koffa lawmakers continue to contest Koon’s legitimacy, further deepening the impasse.
Amid these tensions, the Majority Bloc’s Monday session took an unexpected turn when four members of the Pro-Koffa group—Reps. Sumo Mulbah (CDC, Montserrado District #3), Priscilla Cooper (Montserrado District #5), Romeo Quioh (Sinoe District #1), and another unnamed lawmaker—joined their session at Monrovia City Hall.
Speaker Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah welcomed their colleagues and called for reconciliation between the two factions to focus on serving the Liberian people.
What Lies Ahead
With the leadership crisis and logistical challenges unresolved, all eyes are on the Legislature as the date for President Boakai’s annual message approaches.
