Speaker Fonati Koffa Invited to President Boakai’s State of the Nation Address

The Joint Chamber on Executive at the House of Legislature has officially extended an invitation to Speaker Fonati Koffa to attend President Joseph Boakai’s much-anticipated State of the Nation Address (SONA). The event is scheduled for Monday, January 27, 2025, at the historic Capitol Building in Monrovia.

The confirmation came from Robert Haynes, Director of Press and Public Affairs at the House of Representatives, during a MICAT press briefing on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. While Mr. Haynes refrained from elaborating on whether two speakers would preside over the session, he emphasized that the invitation to Speaker Koffa was formally issued by the Joint Chamber on Executive.

In a notable development, Mr. Haynes also announced that legislators currently under suspension have been explicitly warned not to attend the SONA. These lawmakers face suspension due to absenteeism, having missed sessions for over two weeks without providing official communication to the House leadership. According to House Rule 21, such absenteeism results in suspension, and prolonged violations could even lead to their seats being declared vacant.

To ensure smooth proceedings and heightened security, joint security forces will be deployed around the Capitol Building. Key measures include:

• Roadblocks from 9th Street to the Capitol Building.
• Vehicle searches for those with official invitations, while others will be redirected through alternate routes via Jala Town.
• Strict access control, allowing only invited individuals inside the premises.

“If you don’t have anything to do around the Capitol Building, stay home and listen to the radio or watch TV,” Mr. Haynes advised, urging the public to cooperate with security protocols.

The Joint Committee on Executive, alongside co-chairs from the Executive and Senate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other key stakeholders, is working diligently to ensure the event’s success. As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on President Boakai as he delivers his address, laying out the administration’s priorities and vision for the nation’s future.