By K. Ericson Sayee
MONROVIA, March 11 (LINA) – Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung, has placed a spotlight on the relationship subsisting between him and President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., saying that he enjoys a cordial working relationship with President Boakai, as he emphasized that he will continue to play his role in assisting the President.
During the Vice President’s citizens-engagement in Pennsylvania on March 8, 2025, VP Koung revealed that the President has an explicit confidence and trust in him, which has helped him to effectively execute his duty.
Veep Koung’s statement derived from a question posed to him during his town hall meeting with Liberians in Pennsylvania, USA.
When asked whether he ‘was a parked car’, VP Koung candidly responded that the role of the Vice President, as enshrined in the constitution, is to assist the President, but only when requested to do so.
“The way our laws are written, every Vice President is a ‘parked car.’ Our constitution states that the Vice President will assist the President, but the President must first request that assistance. If the President does not request assistance, the Vice President’s role is to sit in their office or attend sessions. Any Vice President who wants to be a ‘running car’ can get into trouble”, the Vice President narrated.
He emphasized that despite the restriction of the role by the constitution, he maintains a clear and constructive relationship with President Boakai.
He noted: “Is President Boakai working with me? Yes! As Vice President, if I have advice for the President, I go into the room with the President and offer my counsel. Whether the President takes the advice or not, my responsibility ends in that room. If it comes out, the only thing I can do is either defend it or speak in a way that doesn’t compromise the advice.”
Vice President Koung’s narration provides insights on the constitutional limitations of his office, highlighting the mutual relationship with President Boakai. He maintains that he will continue to execute his role as prescribed by the constitution, expressing his willingness to assist the President as the President sees necessary.
