Liberia’s House of Representatives Seeks New Venue for State of…

The House of Representatives of Liberia is searching for a new venue for the 2024 State of the Nation Address due to renovations at the Capitol. The address is scheduled for January 30, 2025, and follows a fire incident in December that destroyed the original location. Ongoing discussions involve multiple committees to finalize an appropriate venue that reflects the importance of the occasion.

The House of Representatives in Liberia has announced that the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) will not take place in the William R. Tolbert Joint Chambers due to ongoing renovation work at the Capitol Building. Chairman on Rules, Order, and Administration, Representative James Kolleh, stated that with the mandated date for the address being January 30, 2025, it is unfeasible to complete the renovations by that deadline.

The Joint Chamber was previously damaged by fire during a political upheaval in December 2024, which further complicates the situation. Currently, discussions are underway to find a new suitable venue for the SONA.

Kolleh highlighted the importance of collaboration among various committees, including the Committee on Executive and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, to identify a location that is both appropriate and conducive for the significant occasion. The upcoming address is expected to focus on key aspects of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which covers important areas such as agriculture, roads, education, sanitation, and tourism. Consultation with relevant stakeholders is ongoing to ensure the chosen venue adequately reflects the importance of the event, as foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the address.

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a constitutional requirement in Liberia, mandating the President to present the administration’s achievements and legislative agenda for the upcoming session. This annual address occurs on the fourth working Monday of January and is a significant occasion that outlines the economic and social conditions of the country. Given the recent events surrounding the Legislature, including renovations and a fire that devastated the Joint Chamber, the search for an alternative venue has become essential to uphold the tradition of this important political event.

In summary, the majority bloc of the House of Representatives is actively seeking a suitable venue for the upcoming State of the Nation Address due to ongoing renovations at the Capitol Building. The urgency for a new location has increased following the destruction of the Joint Chamber in December. Discussions are being held to ensure the significance of the event is honored, particularly as it will showcase the President’s plans under the ARREST Agenda, focusing on national development areas.

Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com