Monrovia, Liberia , January 22, 2024: Liberia’s newly inaugurated President Joseph N. Boakai ended his speech abruptly for what medical sources described as “heat exhaustion.”
The former Vice President turned President in a humid weather at the West African nation’s Capitol Hill, seat of the National Legislature called on Liberians to unity and to put the campaign behind them while pledging to fight corruption and mismanagement that he said has kept the country underdeveloped.
Earlier in what seems as a historic ceremony held at the Capitol Building, Liberia’s new Joseph Nyuma Boakai was inaugurated Monday January 22, 2024 as the 25th President of Liberia.
The event, attended by dignitaries and citizens alike, President Boakai said there will be “no more business as usual” citing corruption as of the reasons for the backwardness of the country since its formation.
Boakai, who previously served as Liberia’s Vice President, began his address with his pledge to implement of his 100-day deliverables and at the same urging Liberians to focus on nation building.
President Boakai then called for unity among citizens of the west African country while promising to rekindle the hope of Liberians.
“Today we have come to far and is now time to make change”, he added.
Boakai who is the oldest president to be elected in the country recent history in his inaugural address said Liberia has had dishonest leaderships that have mainly focus on personal benefits instead of the entire citizenry.
Rekindling Liberia’s hope
President Boakai expressed gratitude for the support of the Liberian people and outlined his vision for the country’s future promising to rekindling hope and fostering unity among the diverse population of Liberia.
Boakai acknowledged the challenges facing Liberia, including economic hardships, social inequalities, and the lingering impact of the civil war.
However, he emphasized that these challenges would be met with determination, collaboration, and a commitment to positive change.
However, Boakai’s speech took an unexpected turn as he ended his inaugural speech abruptly due to “heat exhaustion”.
As the speech progressed, observers noted that Boakai began to show signs of discomfort and was later surrounded by his aides who swiftly escorted him from the podium despite his efforts to end the speech.
He later read his speech from a chair designed for the new Liberian Leader. Medical sources told our correspondent that President Boakai is in stable condition following the “heat exhaustion.”
As Liberia enters a new era under President Boakai’s leadership, the nation remains eager to witness the implementation of his anti-corruption agenda and the fulfillment of his pledge to bring positive change to the country.
Earlier during a farewell statement then outgoing President George claimed that the economic situation of the country is strong.
He indicated that his administration is leaving a net international reserve of USD222.7 million as of January 2024 compared to USD 94.9 million when he took over the Presidency in 2018 and USD 40 million as of January 2024 compared to USD 7 million in 2018 at the end of the Sirleaf-Boakai administration.
Boakai I’m assuming the Leadership of the West African nation when there are reports of higher expectations across every sector of the country and delivering on those pledges within 100 days will test President Boakai to move Liberia to the positive direction.
