By Naneka A. Hoffman
Liberia’s former Finance Minister (under the regime of slain President Samuel Doe) David Fahart, says it does not matter who becomes Speaker of the House and Senate President Pro-Tempore because once elections are over, these offices seem not to exist in African politics.
In an exclusive interview over the weekend at his residence in Sophie Community, Mr. Fahart noted that African politics is different from Western Politics, explaining that Western opposition political parties are stronger when they are not in power.
“I believe President-elect Joseph N. Boakai knows what to do, based on his experience in government and the number of years he spent at the National Legislature, mainly at the level of the Liberian Senate when he served as Vice President under former President Madam Ellen Johnson for twelve years”, he recalls.
He reveals that the Legislature does not have political will to stall effective functioning of the Executive Branch because power lies in the hands of the President, who is head of the Executive.
He says the House of Representatives goes to the poll today to elect new corps of leadership, including Speaker and Deputy Speaker ahead of inauguration on 22nd January 2024, and whatever members of the opposition do, they will ultimately dance to the tone of the President’s because he has power.
He says there is no need for Liberians to tear themselves apart on who becomes Speaker today, January 15, at the Capitol.
Mr. Fahart observes that candidates of both the Unity Party and the CDC are optimistic about winning the Speakership, noting that Richard N. Koon of the UP told a local radio station over the weekend that he is confident of victory because he has about thirty-three (33) –elected Lawmakers on his side, while CDC Candidate J. Fonati Koffa has said that his support base is solid as well. Editing by Jonathan Browne
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