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George Weah’s 24 hours Ministers story is inaccurate. Nigeria and Liberia’s Minister appointment systems compared

In what seems to be a boost to governance in Africa, Liberia’s freshest President, George Weah has made his first Ministerial nominations barely 24 hours after his inauguration. Nominations that are being widely reported as appointments.

The ex-footballer was sworn in on January 22, completing the first transitioning between democratically-elected leaders since 1944, after taking over from Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who ruled the Country for 12 years.

The first nominees are made up of seven names, assigned to different portfolios. Former Senate Pro-Tempore, Gbezohngar Findley, was nominated Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Findley was reported to be a close ally of Sirleaf and a staunch supporter of Vice- President, Joseph Boakai, who also ran against Weah under the platform of Unity party.

He reportedly dumped Boakai, and aligned with Weah, heavily campaigning for him in parts of the Country.

Maj.-Gen. Daniel Ziankahn, who was recently retired as the Chief of Staff, was nominated Minister of National Defence, subject to the Senate confirmation. He would replace Brownie Samukai, while Brig. Gen. Prince Johnson takes over from Ziankahn as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Liberia (AFL).

Mr. Nathaniel McGill, the Chairman of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), which is now the ruling party, was nominated Minister of State for Presidential Affairs.

Samuel Tweh, who worked as an economic consultant at the Millennium Challenge Corporation under the Ministry of Finance, was nominated as the Minister of Finance and Development Planning.

The President appointed Mr. Charles Gibson Minister of Justice and Mr. Sam Mannah Press Secretary with immediate effect. He also directed heads of other Government Ministries and Agencies remain in place until further notice.

In his inaugural lecture, President Weah assured citizens of his commitment to tackling corruption in the public service, while promising to prosecute Government officials found wanting “to the full extent of the law.”

“As officials of government, it is time to put the interest of our people above our own selfish interests. It is time to be honest with our people

“For those who do not refrain from enriching themselves at the expense of the people, the law will take its course.”

Some dignitaries present also urged Weah to always represent the interest of the People, which they believe takes a lot of political will and courage.

Article 54 of the Liberian Constitution says the President’s appointment shall be confirmed by the Senate just as in the case of Nigeria. The difference, however, lies in Waeh’s pronouncement of their positions, a feat which many believe will help for better screening as against the Nigerian political culture of not assigning portfolios until the Senate approves the Ministerial Nominees.

Liberia has 21 Ministries, Nigeria has 37 Ministries in what seems to be an attempt to keep to the Constitutional provision of appointing a Minister per State. Liberia, understandably, does not have this provision, as the country has just 3 ethnic groups while Nigeria has 250.

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