MONROVIA – In the cycle of President-elect Joseph Nyumah-Boakai, there is a joke about his Black notebook and why there is too many uncertainties about placements in government amongst party leaders and his immediate allies.
By Henry Karmo, [email protected]
The joke is told about how he keeps the book closed to his chest and in a very private room and not even his wife or children including personal security guards are allowed to go closed to it and in that book, it is believed is where he has names of incoming government officials.
According to people close to the President-elect, besides the mentioned of the name Sylvester Grigsby, a longtime friend of Mr. Boakai, who many have heard him mention and one that is expected to be his Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, the President-elect is yet to have discussion with anyone about placement.
Notwithstanding, it is also reported that Boakai has requested individuals to submit CVs. Liberians both homes and away but with no assurances. However, Boakai has been seen in the public in closed proximity with some past officials of government and there are rumors that these individuals might be favor for positions in government.
Boakai like any politicians who have won elections depended on the support of his political institution the Unity Party and other allies. Like any President, he will need the support of people to work in his government to achieve his agenda. However, no one knows what the future holds.
On January 22nd just few days from today, he will be inaugurated and as Liberia’s 55th President succeeding President George Weah and it is expected that on the evening of Monday, the names of Boakai first officials will be disclosed to the Public.
Boakai victory
Boakai and Weah entered a presidential runoff election that took place on Nov. 14, after the initial polls held on Oct. 10 failed to produce a clear winner among 20 candidates.
Born in the remote village of Worsonga in Foya, the most populous district of Lofa County in the northernmost part of Liberia on Nov. 30, 1944, Boakai, from the Kissi ethnic group, has a rich background in public service and a distinguished career that spans several decades.
Before his successful bid for the presidency, he served as vice president from 2006 to 2018 under the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected woman president.
Boakai’s experience and dedication to public service over the years have earned him widespread respect among Liberians.
A Business Administration graduate from the University of Liberia in 1972, his political career commenced when he joined the Ministry of Agriculture, progressing through various positions until he attained the rank of minister in 1983.
“His commitment to agricultural development and rural empowerment became evident during his tenure, setting the foundation for his later advocacy for economic growth and social progress,” Lawrence Dunn, a Monrovia-based international political analyst, told Xinhua in an interview.
Boakai chaired boards of more than 20 agricultural development projects in Liberia, the Agricultural Cooperative Development Bank, and support institutions. The president-elect also served as resident manager of the Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation and managing director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company.
Over the years, Boakai has been an advocate for unity and reconciliation in Liberia, emphasizing the importance of “healing the wounds of the past civil conflicts,” Dunn said, noting his vision for a harmonious and prosperous Liberia has resonated with many citizens, and this played a crucial role in his presidential campaign.
the Executive and members of the 55th National Legislature at the dedication ceremony on Wednesday.