There is a growing uncertainty in Liberia  following a row over the venue for the inauguration of  President elect George Weah.

The Transitional Team  in the West African country are yet to come to an amicable conclusion on which of the venues to host the grand inauguration after engineers working at Capitol Building site said the venue cant host the event.

However, rumors persist that the presidential oath will take place at the S. K. Doe Sports Complex, but is yet to be confirmed by any member of the Joint Presidential Transitional Team (JPTT), headed by President Sirleaf and co-chaired by President-elect Weah.

Since the 1997 inauguration of President Charles Taylor at the Centennial Pavilion, the ceremony has been held at the front of the Capitol Building, the seat of the Legislature, facing the Executive Mansion. For this year's inauguration, however, the annexes funded by the People's Republic of China, are still under construction making the site unready for that occasion.

SKD Complex or Capitol Building?

According to Senator Blamo Nelson of Grand Kru County, the presidential oath should be administered at the Capitol Building, thereby making the 25th scheduled public inaugurations in three locations - the Providence Baptist Church, the Centennial Pavilion and the Capitol Building. Nelson argues that law was amended for inaugurations to be held at the Capitol Building.

 In accordance with Article 53 of the Liberian Constitution, there will be a Joint Session of the Legislature, with the Speaker serving as the presiding officer to call to order a Special Session for the President and the Vice-President before entering the execution of the duties of their respective offices, take a solemn oath or affirmation.

In 2006 and 2012, the swearing-in ceremonies were held on a platform at front view of the Legislature and conducted by the Chief Justice.

There are seven main events, at different locations and by invitation. They include a morning worship service; procession to the swearing-in venue; Vice President-elect's swearing-in ceremony; President-elect's swearing in ceremony; Inaugural address; inaugural parade; and inaugural ball.

George Weah and his  Vice President-elect, Jewel Howard Taylor  are expected to be sworn in on 22nd January 2018.

The change in date follows a declaration of Monday January 1  as national Holiday by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, an event that made, January 22, the third working Monday for which a president is sworn in.

By Fiifi Abdul Malik/ghanaguardian.com