-Death of a Liberian, fainting of others on inauguration day
The Secretary General of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change, Jefferson Tamba Koijee has demanded the health report of President Joseph Boakai and a speedy launch of a criminal investigation into the fainting and death of individuals at the inaugural ceremony.
At the inauguration of the Liberian leader, it was reported that a United States-based Liberian identified as Doussen Kamara who had returned to the country to witness the inauguration, met his untimely death at a medical center a few minutes after he fell off due to heat exhaustion during the event in Monrovia.
This situation also led to the simultaneous fainting of several citizens, while the President nearly collapsed when delivering his inaugural address; a scene that saw the Chief Executive’s failure to end his speech.
Addressing a news conference on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at the CDC headquarters in Congo Town, Koijee stressed that the opposition party is deeply concerned about the unfortunate experience of the President, his well-being as a national property, and further clarity about what led to such a terrible happening while he was in speech.
The CDC’s chief scribe averred that an inaugural occasion is not a place for fainting, death, and other shocking happenings that may publicly defame the country and its government before international diplomats as was seen at the inauguration of President and VP Boakai and Jeremiah Koung respectively.
“This is not about politics because the political seasons are over. We are all one people and as such, we should care for each other, especially the President and that’s why we are concerned about his health; how those people fainted, and how the other person died. This is so scaring,” Koijee stressed.
He believes the Liberian government should not leave the citizens in suspense regarding the health of the President and establish his whereabouts.
According to the CDC Secretary General, the speedy criminal investigation will establish how the incident occurred during the inauguration, and ensure that the culprits are brought to justice to set precedence.
“We need to know who were those that touched the president’s microphone up the podium, the individuals who were around him before and after he nearly fainted; don’t forget that this is bordered on the security of not only President Boakai but it also involves the safety of every citizen of this country,” the SG of the CDC maintained.
However, on the same day of the inauguration about a few hours later, the Office of the President issued a brief press statement informing the citizens that the Liberia leader was healthy, strong, and well stable.
The President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate and Senator of Grand Bassa County, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence confirmed the good condition of the President to Spoon Television in a live podcast.
