Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung referred to himself as a “parked car” at a recent town hall meeting, discussing the limitations of his role in Liberia’s government. He emphasized the necessity of the president’s request for assistance and the need to respect the presidential authority. Facing protests from the diaspora over governance issues, Koung reiterated his commitment to addressing concerns. His ongoing U.S. visit includes participation in the Powering Africa Summit, indicating his engagement with international energy partnerships.
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung recently articulated the constraints of his role in Liberia’s government, referring to himself as a “parked car”. During a town hall meeting in Pennsylvania, he explained that the vice president’s involvement is contingent on the president’s request for assistance, emphasizing the constitutional limitation he faces. He reiterated the importance of respecting the presidential hierarchy, indicating that overstepping boundaries can lead to political repercussions.
The “parked car” analogy is reminiscent of comments made by former Vice President Joseph Boakai in 2017 when he conveyed the frustrations associated with limited vice presidential authority. Notably, this analogy was previously used by Boakai’s political opponents during his campaign, suggesting that he was inactive. In contrast, Koung’s potential future as a political leader has been a topic of discussion, especially in light of President Boakai’s warning during the recent Cabinet Meeting demanding focus on current issues rather than future ambitions.
Despite speculation about tensions between the two leaders, Vice President Koung clarified his cooperative relationship with President Boakai, asserting his role in offering advice, which he respects regardless of the president’s response. He further detailed the levels of control the president maintains over vice presidential actions, emphasizing, “If President Boakai tells me to drop this mic and stop talking to you, I will do just that.”
During his town hall, organized by the Liberian Association of Pennsylvania and the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas, Vice President Koung faced significant backlash from segments of the Liberian diaspora, who protested against the administration’s alleged shortcomings. Accusations included failures related to human rights and governance. In response, Koung acknowledged the protesters, urging respect and reaffirming his commitment to addressing their concerns.
Accompanying his visit, VP Koung is participating in the 10th Powering Africa Summit, which focuses on fostering U.S.-Africa energy partnerships. As he navigates through criticism and discusses presidential roles, the implications for his political future and his relationship with President Boakai remain to be fully understood.
In summary, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung’s characterization of his role as a “parked car” highlights the limitations placed on vice presidents in Liberia. His remarks reflect a broader systemic issue while attempting to maintain a positive image of his relationship with President Boakai amid political ambitions and external criticism. Despite facing protests from the diaspora, Koung remains committed to engaging with the Liberian community and addressing their concerns during his ongoing U.S. visit, which includes participation in critical energy discussions at the Powering Africa Summit.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
