Liberia: Pres. Boakai’s Nominees Go Marching on Capitol Hill

The grounds of the Capitol Building were transformed yesterday into a theater of traditional music performances as four of President Joseph N. Boakai’s nominees marched to face various Senate committees for confirmation hearings.

Taking the lead was the Minister of State-designate. Veteran political diplomat Sylvester Grigsby, whose political sojourn started during the early days of late President William R. Tolbert, to former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Is Minister of State Confirmation a Done Deal? This seems to be the case. From all indications, it appears as though Grigsby has been given a nod by members of the Senate, as his confirmation hearing was more of a mere formality.

In the chamber of the Senate, one could notice that the interactions and exchanges were more casual and friendly. While, as per the constitution, Senators ought to stringently scrutinize individuals nominated by the President to occupy such a critical position, the facial and verbal expressions from senators at the hearing said otherwise, suggesting that the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs-designate’s confirmation is just a matter of time.

Grisgby’s confirmation hearing was quite different; judging from the vote of confidence assurances, almost all the senators who attended the hearing gave it to the nominee. Unlike what is done to other nominees for informed decision making, senators failed to ask critical questions or raise concerns relative to the nominee qualification, competence experience and character.

Grigsby was rather showered with assurances, thereby leading to a confirmation of certainty. The majority of the senators who attended the hearing assured the minister of their votes of confirmation for subsequent submission to the plenary.

Facing the James Biney-chaired committee, the former State Minister declared that he is and will remain in the best state of mind to ensure that President Boakai succeeds. And if the courtesy accorded him is anything to go by, then it's just fair to declare that he is already done.

"I support Tuition Free Policy" Education Minister-designate

The Education Minister-designate, accompanied by highly enthusiastic and respectable followers, promised to help revitalize the education sector, through the provision of the necessary incentives. Including attractive salary to commensurate with qualifications.

Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah told Senators that she will support the TVET (Technical Vocational Education Training) system. She, however, decried the inadequacy in learning materials, especially schools in the leeward counties. She hopes for an increment by at least 20 percent in the budgetary allotment for education.

The Education Minister-designate also expressed her commitment to supporting a tuition free education policy, adding that the policy is necessary in order to encourage enrollment that would lead to a more enlightened society.

She alluded to the immense impacts the tuition free policy has had on Liberians who schooling at tertiary and secondary levels. She added the need for requisite support to keep the policy alive.