President’s Speech Cut Short After Falling Sick on the Podium

President’s speech cut short after falling sick on the podium. Liberia’s newly inaugurated President, Joseph Boakai, faced an unexpected challenge during his inauguration speech on Monday when he required assistance leaving the podium after pausing twice.

The 79-year-old, who secured victory over President George Weah in a runoff election last November, took the oath of office in a sweltering outdoor ceremony in Monrovia, the capital of the West African nation.

During his speech, President Boakai experienced difficulty, prompting aides to rush to his side and fan him. After briefly resuming his address, he paused once again.

The ceremony was then abbreviated, and aides assisted him in walking away from the podium, as reported by Reuters journalists on the scene.

Boakai’s spokesperson provided no immediate comment on the incident, leaving questions about his condition unanswered.

Notably, during the election campaign, some of Boakai’s opponents had expressed concerns about his age and stamina. However, his team had consistently dismissed such criticisms.

The event casts a shadow on the commencement of Boakai’s presidency, drawing attention to potential health or fatigue issues.

The challenges faced by the newly inaugurated leader will likely spark discussions about the implications for his ability to fulfill the demands of the presidency effectively.

As Liberia ushers in a new era under Boakai’s leadership, the incident at the inauguration ceremony raises questions about the president’s physical resilience and the potential impact on his performance in office.

The nation will be keenly observing how Boakai navigates these challenges and fulfills his responsibilities as the head of state.