By Lincoln G. Peters
President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s inaugural speech on Monday, January 22, receives mixed reactions amongst citizens with various characterizations and appreciations toward the oration.
Several citizens on Bushrod Island, a Monrovia suburb describe the President’s address that was inconclusive because of heat exhaustion, as long, historical, and empty. According to them, the speech failed to address current days’ realities and situations Liberians are grappling with.
On the other hand, dozens others defend the speech, terming it as long but very informative and realistic that points out meaningful recommendations for addressing Liberia’s problems.
According to them, the President’s inaugural address struck the historical foundation of Liberia, reminding the citizenry of the true Liberian dream, while focusing on addressing disunity, inclusion, jobs, and the economy, among others.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The NEW DAWN on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 in Zondo Town Community, Logan Town, a resident, Jackson Doe said, President Boakai’s speech was very far from what Liberian people expected.
He says the speech was very long and without substance and information to address Liberia’s problem.
“My brother, all I want to say to you is that President Boakai’s speech was very empty and lacks substance. Imagine, President Boakai and the UP campaign message was on the economy, jobs creation, and poverty reduction. But, disappointingly, the President failed to tell the Liberian people how he intends to address those issues, rather, he bored us with historical rhetorics”, Doe notes.
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Ruth Saryon, a resident of Guinea Yard Community in Montserrado District#15 extols President Boakai for what she describes as an inclusive address.
Ms. Saryon maintains the speech is inclusive because it addresses every aspect of the Liberian society, especially, the purpose of the Land now called Liberia.
“I just don’t know what those people wanted to hear, but what I do know is that the President’s speech was inclusive because it addresses every fabric of the Liberian society. The President talked about corruption, job creating, and above all, youth empowerment and drugs. These are the things that are hindering our society. What more do they want for him to say?” She asks.
According to her, in the past, President Boakai had provided recommendations and suggestions as to how he intends to calm down on corruption, drugs abuse and many other social vices but because people are going into forced opposition, they are seeing the President’s speech as empty.
In the middle of his speech Monday on Capitol Hill, delivered before Presidents, dignitaries, and Liberians, President Boakai froze suddenly due to severe heat and exhaustion amid a temperature that some say was over 100 degrees Celsius. Several other persons reportedly fainted during the occasion, including security officers with one death reported. Editing by Jonathan Browne
