President Joseph Boakai has condemned the fire incident at the Capitol Building which occurred during the early hours of Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival on the scene that left the William R. Tolbert Joint Chamber and rotunda of the Legislature in ashes, the President Boakai warned, “This act is unacceptable and we are not going to accept this or any form of gangsterism.”
In a firmed reaction he emphasized that the Legislature represents an infrastructure that reflects the democratic will of the people and should not be a target for violence, and cautioned, “The Legislature is not for hooligans; it’s for responsible people.”
The President also vowed that the government would not tolerate acts of violence and destruction, with an assurance of his commitment to maintaining peace and order in Liberia, thereby calling on the citizenry to respect democratic institutions at all times.
“We are not going to accept this. We are asking the Minister of Justice and all the security apparatus to investigate this to the letter. People who are culprits, we will deal with them in accordance with the law of this country.
“And moving forward, there will be no more room for violence or lawlessness, because we will set the tone for all other people who, when they get angry, destroy. We are not going to allow this to repeat itself under my leadership,” the President assured.
Also remarking during the inspection of the building, Speaker Fonati Koffa expressed his sorrow over the devastation, with a call for immediate investigation aimed at bringing the culprits to book.
Montserrado County District 11 Representative, Richard Koon, applauded the emergency response from the joint security and the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS).
Koon, the d-facto Speaker added, “We are deeply concerned about the fire outbreak at the Capitol Building this morning and commend the swift response of firefighters, the LNP, and emergency personnel. We urge the public to remain calm as the authorities conduct a full investigation.”
Senate Pro-Temp, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, on behalf of the Liberian Senate, extended deepest gratitude and appreciation to the dedicated team of firefighters who she said bravely responded to the fire outbreak at the Capitol Building’s rotunda.
She maintained, “Your swift and courageous actions in the face of danger prevented the spread of the fire to other parts of the building and safeguarded the lives of those present and surrounding.”
“To the Brave Firefighters and first responders from the Liberia National Fire Service, Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, Sethi brothers, and the Liberia Water Sewer Cooperation, we say thank you. Your professionalism and teamwork during this critical incident exemplify the highest standards of service and commitment to our country. As we move forward, let us recognize the vital role that first responders play in responding to fire outbreaks and other incidents to ensure the safety and security of our citizens. We are immensely proud and grateful for your service to our country,” she said. The Grand Bassa County Senator added, “The fire incident MUST be thoroughly investigated to determine the cause, and where applicable, justice must be served without fear or favor!”
