MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Former Deputy Information Minister and former Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Isaac W. Jackson, Jr., has criticized President Joseph Nyuma Boakai following the President’s visit to the Capitol Building after a devastating fire.
In his remarks today, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Jackson accused President Boakai of undermining the rule of law since assuming power. “Boakai has done more violence to the law than anyone. So, what rule of law is he talking about? Our people need to STOP him from destroying the country further. He is unfit to lead a peaceful Liberia,” Jackson said.
While condemning the violence that damaged the Capitol Building, Jackson also called out what he described as the government’s failure to uphold democratic principles. Quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., he stated, “A riot is the language of the unheard,” adding that “the government must lead by example in upholding the law.”
Jackson’s remarks come in the wake of President Boakai’s early morning visit to the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024, where he assessed the destruction caused by a massive fire that engulfed the joint chambers of the Liberian Legislature.
Accompanied by Vice President Jeremiah Koung, Speaker Richard Koon, embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Justice Minister Cllr. Tweh, and members of the Legislature, President Boakai expressed deep frustration.
“This place is not for hooligans; it is for responsible people,” President Boakai said. “It is truly sad that while we are asking our international partners to help us rebuild our country, we are here destroying it ourselves. This will not be tolerated.”
The fire, which broke out at around 6:00 AM, caused severe structural damage, including collapsed walls in the joint chambers. Justice Minister Tweh confirmed that a joint investigation involving the Liberia National Fire Service, Ministry of Justice, and other security agencies had commenced.
President Boakai emphasized the importance of accountability, ordering a thorough investigation into the incident. “Violence and destruction of public property will no longer be accepted under my leadership,” he stated.
