The State of the Nation Address is a significant event in Liberia's political calendar, mandated by the Constitution.
On the fourth Monday of every January, the President is required to present this address to the Legislature, providing an overview of the country's status and outlining the government's legislative agenda for the coming year.
This constitutional obligation that is stated within Article 58 is to ensure that the President communicates directly with the citizens through both houses of the legislature to present his legislative agenda and speak on key national issues.
Purpose of the State of the Nation Address
- Accountability: The address allows the President to report on the government's achievements and challenges over the past year.
- Legislative Agenda: It serves as a platform for outlining the proposed policies and legislative priorities for the upcoming session.
- Public Engagement: By addressing both Houses of the Legislature, the President engages with elected representatives who will relay this information to their constituents, fostering transparency.
Yates B. Yates, a Liberian Journalist posted hours before the commencement of the “State of the Nation Address” that the Chief Justice boycotted the event by departing the country.
According to him, the Chief Justice’s decision is due to the fact that she does not want to legitimize Richard Koon's speakership.
Yates claimed that he contacted Darryl Ambrose NMah, director of Communication at the Judiciary, who confirmed the information. The full text of the post can be found here.
Cllr. Nmah, in a factbook reaction,, said Yates misled the public with his post. Nmah said the Chief Justice has joined 58 Chief Justices and Presidents of Supreme and Constitutional Courts of Africa and the Middle East at an annual high-level meeting in Cairo, Egypt, which is held at this time every year.
The full text of his reaction can be found here.
Does the constitution of Liberia require the CJ or any public officials present for the SONA to go on?
The President is required to report to the Legislature on the state of the Republic annually, presenting an economic overview and legislative program. The legislative framework allows for significant participation from various branches of government during such events.
Article 58 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia requires the President to present an annual report to the Legislature on the state of the Republic on the fourth Monday of January each year.
This address includes an account of the President's stewardship and outlines the legislative program for the upcoming session.
The address serves as a means for the President to communicate with both the Legislature and the Liberian people regarding national issues and government performance.
Unlike article Article 53(a) of the Liberian constitution, which ascribes to the chief justice such as swearing in the President before a joint session of the Legislature, no law requires the presence of the chief justice or any other senior officials before such a ceremony takes place.
Lawyers respective
Atty. George Mulbah is the chairman of the National Patriotic Party (NPP). Mulbah said the only political forum that the constitution mandates for the presence of the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court is the inauguration of the president.
“Unlike members of the legislature whose presence is mandatory by the constitution with a specific clause to convene in joint session, the participation of the justices in the SONA is a discretionary courtesy to such political forum,” Mulbah said.
Mulbah said the president of Liberia equally has the discretionary right to attend the opening of the court or not when invited by the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court. The president's absence at the court opening or sitting of any justices does not violate any law, just as the justices’ absence at SONA did not violate any law.
“I am sure the justices did not want the court to be conflicted in deciding pending actions such as the Bill of Information and Declaratory Judgment pending before the court on the House’s leadership crisis,” Mulbah added.
Mulbah recalled that in 2007, the Johnny Lewis bench failed to honour the invitation to attend the SONA because of the leadership crisis in-house at the time that was pending before the court. President Sirleaf delivered the State of the Nation Address at the Unity Conference Center under the presiding gavel of Dr. Kettehkumuehn Murray, then chairman of the Executive.”
Conclusion: The State of the Nation Address is typically delivered by the President to both Houses of the Legislature, and while it may be customary for high-ranking officials, including the Chief Justice, to attend, their presence is not mandated by law. We also note that the chief justice’s role is ceremonial during this event and while their presence is respected and valued, it is not a legal requirement for the address to take place.
