President George Weah delivered his first annual message to the nation in the joint chambers of the National Legislature Monday, January 29, 2018. His speech gave the state of the nation’s economic health and the challenges ahead. However, what seems to dominate post -speech discussions in the country and social media is Article 27 of the country’s Constitution as it relates to citizenship. Especially, President Weah’s intention to grant citizenship to non-negroes and allowing Liberians to hold dual nationality.
While this matter will require a constitutional amendment, it is obvious from the heated debate ongoing that it is matter that needs careful consideration. Critical and hard thinking need to be applied as to why the founders of the nation adopted the non-negro clause and why the framers of the constitution bar dual nationality. What are the drawbacks for maintaining these clauses? What are the advantages for keeping them in this day and age?
EagleEye intends running an in-depth analysis of this issue from both sides of the debate.
Read the full text of the President’s speech: http://www.emansion.gov.lr/doc/ANNUAL%20MESSAGE%20BY%20HIS%20EXCELLENCY,%20PRESIDENT%20GEORGE%20MANNEH%20WEAH,%20PRESIDENT%20OF%20THE%20REPUBLIC%20OF%20LIBERIA.pdf