His trip abroad, whether in the interest of the nation and its people or not, has sparked off a debate not only among ordinary citizens but also members of the first branch of government, the Legislature.
The President has been out of here since early November 2022 and is expected to return on 18th December 2022, totaling exactly 48 days out of the country, the longest by any Liberian President in recent history.
His critics say the President’s prolonged stay abroad is unnecessary considering the harsh economic situation the country faces, but for his supporters, it is necessary.
For some ordinary citizens, opposition or not, his overstay out of the country will prove worthless if it does not benefit the country in a way that directly affects their lives.
This is why Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah, raised eyebrows recently when he announced on a public radio that for the length of time the President will stay abroad, he is entitled to receive US$2,000 daily. This amount doesn’t include monies for his lodging and others. But in contrast, former Information Minister and now current Maritime Commissioner, Eugene Nagbe, a member of the President’s entourage abroad, said although the President is entitled to such an amount, he is not receiving it on his current trip abroad.
According to Nagbe, the President’s travel abroad on a chartered plane and other expenses are paid for by the host countries.
In this case, who is telling the truth? Finance and Development Planning Minister, Tweah or Maritime Commissioner, Nagbe?
This, however, is not really the crux of our concern here. What is our concern is whether the President’s overstay abroad is necessary or unnecessary.
Apparently infuriated by the President’s prolonged stay abroad, Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, speaking in a recent BBC interview, said he has written the leadership of the Senate, asking it to probe into President Weah’s overstay abroad and its corresponding expenses.
Quoting the travel ordinance of Liberia, Senator Dillon said beyond seven days out of the country, any public official, including the President, underwrites the cost of the extension of his or her trip out of the country except such an extension is validated by receipts or substantiated beyond reasonable doubts.
In a rebuttal to Dillon’s argument on the same BBC, Maritime Commissioner Eugene Nagbe and other supporters or allies of the government, said President Weah’s overstay abroad is in the best interest of the country since it is intended to garner aid for the country.
True or not, the outcome of the Senate’s investigation into the President’s overstay abroad as requested by Senator Dillon will make the determination as to whether President Weah’s overstay abroad was necessary or unnecessary.
Nevertheless, another member of the Senate, River Gee Senator Conmany Wesseh, in a recent statement said the Liberian leader is suffering from what he called “Presidential fatigue,” suggesting that President Weah is weary of the high seat and is likely giving up.
What do you think, is necessary or unnecessary?
