Senate Projects Initial US$1.8 In 2025 Budget

To Restore Damaged Capitol Building By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway

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Following the fire incident that gutted the Capitol Building – seat of the Liberian Legislature, the Liberian Senate has initiated a swift action towards the restoration of the seat of the first branch of the Liberian government.

Making preliminary report ahead of the 2025 National Budget before the plenary of the Liberian Senate in its first day sitting of the Special Session, the Chairperson of the Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Development of the Senate, Prince Kemue Moye, informed Liberians that the Committee has projected an initial US$1.8M towards the restoration process.

According to the Bong County Senator, the projection of the initial US$1.8M is “conscious” decision made by the Liberian Senate working through the Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Development.

“We have made a conscious decsion as a Legislature, Mr. Vice President and President of the Liberian Senate. Distinguished Senators as a Legislature, we always endeavor to ensure that we look at critical issues that confront our country. The seat of this Legislature was yesterday gutted by fire and at the time where the budget is about to be scrutinized and passed. But we can’t sit and say we have to ask partners help us. We have to start doing something on our own,” said Senator Moye.

“So, as a matter of looking into it, we might not have the full details; the full restoration cost of that damage that has been done, but the committee thought to project US$1.8M as an initial amount to ensuring that restoration work begins immediately upon the passage of this budget to restore the seat of the first branch of this government.”

“These are major interventions coupled with other details that will be provided before the passage and the final report from the committee. The fire incident yesterday was not something that we anticipated, but we have to project something to look into that,” he added.

It can be recalled that gutted mainly the Frank Tolbert Assembly Hall of the Capitol Building on early Wednesday, December 18, 2024. This followed Tuesday’s violent clash between protesters under the banner: “Concerned Citizens for the Protection of Our Constitution, Democracy, and the Rule of Law” and riot police of the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Emergency Response Unit (ERU).

The Frank Tolbert Assembly Hall, otherwise known as the Joint Chambers of the Capitol Building, was constructed between 1956-57 by the government of President William V.S. Tubman – Liberia’s longest serving President.

The protest stormed Capitol Hill to agitate against several counts of bad governance, hardships and fragrant disregard to the rule of law.

But while in their attemtp forcibly to enter the Capitol Building Compound, they (protesters) were greeted by stiff resistance from the riot unit of the Liberia National Police (LNP) – the Emergency Response Unit (ERU), who reportedly returned their action with teargas, live bullets and pepper spray.

Burding of the Capitol Building is the second in a series since the ongoing power struggle within the House of Representatives, even though the first incident was so minor.

Speaking to legislative reporters on his appearance at the Capitol, President Boakai described the nightmare as a serious threat to democracy, thus vowing that those responsible will be held accountable.

He disclosed that he had directed Justice Minister Oswald Tweh to launch a full investigation into the incident.

“I have authorized the Minister of Justice to lead an investigation and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice,” the President stated.

And while the cause of the fire remains unknown, the Liberian chief executive believes that there was a foul play.

“We will not condone hooliganism or any act intended to undermine the operations of our government,” he said firmly.

Meanwhile, Montserrado County Electoral District #9 Representative Frank Saah Foko has been hooked in the process as person of interest and he turned himself in for questioning before the Liberia National Police (LNP).

Rep. Foko was labelled as a person of interest based on previous terroristic threats is allegedly made four months ago, in which he reportedly vowed to burn the Capitol Building.

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