Thousands of citizens, political leaders, lawmakers, and grassroots supporters filled Oldest Congo Town on Sunday for the official unveiling and groundbreaking ceremony of the National Independent Movement for Boakai, led by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Thomas P. Fallah. The event marked a visible show of unity and political reconciliation, drawing attendees from across Montserrado County and beyond.
Lawmakers from both the House of Representatives and the Senate were present, alongside senior government officials, community leaders, youth groups, women’s organizations, and hundreds of supporters who turned out in large numbers for what many described as a historic gathering. The ceremony took on cultural significance when President Joseph Nyuma Boakai symbolically presented a kola nut to Deputy Speaker Fallah.
In Liberian tradition, the kola nut represents peace, respect, and sincerity, signaling a gesture of goodwill between the executive and legislative branches. In a further display of solidarity, President Boakai adorned Deputy Speaker Fallah with a ceremonial gown. The gesture was received by the crowd as a sign of mutual respect and a commitment to reconciliation among political stakeholders working toward national development and stability. Speaking to the energized crowd, Deputy Speaker Fallah thanked President Boakai for the recognition and pledged his continued support for the administration’s agenda.
“I stand here today grateful for this honor, but more importantly, committed to working for peace, national unity, and inclusive development for every Liberian, regardless of political affiliation,” Fallah said. “Our country is stronger when we put Liberia first.”
He urged citizens nationwide to embrace reconciliation and back efforts to strengthen democracy, good governance, and national transformation. Fallah framed the National Independent Movement for Boakai as a platform to consolidate grassroots support for the President’s development agenda while broadening political collaboration across party lines.
The launch is seen as a strategic effort to expand the President’s support base ahead of the midterm political cycle. Organizers said the movement will focus on mobilizing communities around infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation initiatives aligned with the government’s ARREST Agenda. Throughout the afternoon, the atmosphere remained peaceful and celebratory. Supporters waved banners bearing the movement’s colors, sang solidarity songs, and chanted slogans of unity. Youth and women’s groups led cultural performances, underscoring the event’s emphasis on inclusivity.
Several lawmakers who attended echoed Fallah’s call for cooperation. Representative Musa Hassan Bility of Nimba County said the gathering “sends a message that Liberia’s progress depends on leaders working together, not against each other.”
With the National Independent Movement for Boakai now officially launched, organizers say chapters will be established in all 15 counties in the coming months to deepen grassroots engagement. The event concluded without incident, with Deputy Speaker Fallah leading supporters in a pledge to uphold peace and support national development efforts.
Author: Albert M. Fania
