CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA: Representative Nyahn Flomo, Nimba County Electoral District 2 Representative at the 55th National Legislature has written the plenary of the House of Representatives expressing deep concern over the violation of some provisions in the constitution of Liberia particularly section 10.2 of the executive law of 1972 by PresidentJoseph Nyuma Boakai.
Section 10.2 of the executive law of the Republic of Liberia provides that the President shall appoint at least one member of the Cabinet from every county of the Republic.
The Lawmaker in his communication is seeking his colleague’s amenity to take action regarding the disproportionate representation of Liberia’s counties in the Executive branch.
He emphasized the need for a more balanced geographical distribution in cabinet appointments to ensure that all counties have a voice in the Boakai-Koung Administration.
Rep. Flomo pointed out that out of Liberia’s 15 counties, seven counties including Gbarpolu, Grand Gedeh, Margibi, River Cess, Maryland, Montserrado, and Grand Kru presently lack representation in ministerial positions.
He moreover accentuated that this difference undermines the principle of equal representation and hampers effective governance.
In his communication to the plenary, the Nimba County Electoral District 2 Lawmaker appealed to his coworkers to employ their oversight powers to ensure that the Executive takes corrective measures. “It is crucial that we foster equitable representation across all counties to promote inclusivity and fairness in governance,” he stated.
Following the reading and debate, the plenary has directed its committees on Executive, Judiciary, and Good Governance to scrutinize the matter and report their findings after the second quarter break.
Rep. Flomo’s advocacy for geographical balance in cabinet appointments reflects a commitment to strengthening democratic practices and ensuring that all Liberians, regardless of their County of origin, have an equal stake in their government.
It can be recalled on February 22, 2024, Representative Flomo introduced a communication requesting the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs to provide a comprehensive list of appointed cabinet ministers along with their county of origin to establish whether Section 10.2 of the Executive Law of 1972 is been actualized by President Boakai.
Below is the listing of Ministries and County of Origin of the Heads…
- Bomi County 1 – Ministry of Transport
- Bong County 3 – Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection, Ministry of Public Works, and Ministry of Agriculture
- Gbarpolu County 0
- Grand Bassa County 2 – Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism
- Grand Cape Mount County 1 – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Grand Gedeh County 0
- Grand Kru County 0
- Margibi County 0
- Maryland County 0
- Montserrado County 0
- Nimba County 2 – Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Land Mines and Energy
- Rivercess County 0
- River Gee County 1 – Ministry of National Defense
- Sinoe County 2 – Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs and Ministry of Justice
- Lofa County 6 – Ministry of Finance Development Planning, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry Telecommunications, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Youth and Sports