By: Andrew Fedesco Cisco Tolbert
The prominence of Jeremiah Koung, arguably Liberia’s most popular Vice President in more than three decades, is a commendable reflection of how the Unity Party–led government, under the leadership of President Joseph Boakai, has redefined the role of the Vice Presidency.
The debate and controversy surrounding the role of the office of the Vice President, and its inclusion in major decision-making, goes as far back as other countries that practice a democratic constitutional federal republic, such as the United States and not just Liberia alone.
In a letter written in 1793 to his wife Abigail Adams, America’s first Vice President, John Adams, described the office by saying: “The Vice Presidency is the least powerful and most useless political office ever created.”
This statement came out of frustration, as the Vice President felt excluded from major decision making processes and believed he had no real role in governing, despite his significant contributions to the American Revolution.
At the time, the US Constitution, like ours, gave the Vice President very few responsibilities, which still exist in today’s democracy: presiding over the Senate and casting a tie-breaking vote.
Beyond these constitutional duties, President George Washington relied mostly on some of his Cabinet members, including Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton to run the show, while Adams was rarely included in executive discussions, which made him feel sidelined and frustrated.
In recent American politics, we all saw or read about the fallout between Donald Trump and his Vice President during his first presidency, Mike Pence (2017–2021).
After the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Trump claimed the election was fraudulent and pressured Pence to reject or delay the certification of the electoral votes in Congress. Pence said he did not have the constitutional authority to overturn the election results and refused. This misunderstanding escalated to the point where the Vice President later challenged and campaigned against his former boss when Trump ran again.
Liberia’s Historical Context:
Liberia has experienced its own share of controversies surrounding the Vice Presidency.
From the era of President Charles Taylor, with Vice Presidents Enoch Dogolea and Moses Blah, to the “old parked car” analogy used by then Vice President Joseph Boakai under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and the strained relationship involving Jewel Howard Taylor during President George Weah’s administration, the pattern has been consistent: tension, exclusion, and limited executive inclusion.
Interestingly, the rivalry or power struggle between presidents and vice presidents in Liberia goes back even further than the few examples mentioned. However, over the last 30 years or more, no Vice President has come close to the level of political maturity and inclusive leadership that Jeremiah Koung is enjoying. In my opinion, he is the most popular Vice President our country has ever produced.
Enoch Dogolea and Moses Blah: While there is no verified evidence surrounding the controversy between President Taylor and his two Vice Presidents, there have been allegations that either Enoch Dogolea or Moses Blah was once wrapped in a mattress and severely beaten for gross insubordination by President Taylor.
Though some of these claims might not be entirely true, but under such a military leadership, nothing of the sort was impossible.
Boakai as Vice President: During one of the presidential debates in 2017 came the famous “old parked car” analogy, in which then, Vice President Boakai described himself during the 12-year leadership of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. He compared his experience to being like an old parked car in a garage, suggesting he should not be judged based on his performance as Vice President at the time.
A few days later, the analogy seemed to a reflect reality when his boss, Ma Ellen publicly endorsed former football star George Weah—a decision that left many people shocked and questioning. It raised a contradictory leadership and political question: how could an experienced and educated woman, who once left her bookbag in a classroom at the Prestigious Kennedy School of Government and Professional Studies at Harvard University, allow her legacy to be succeeded by a man who left his soccer cleats (football boots) in the locker room at AC Milan’s San Siro Stadium? Surprisingly, Weah went on to win the election.
Jewel Howard Taylor: A former First Lady of Liberia and one of the longest-serving senators, many believed President Weah made the right decision in selecting Senator Taylor due to her experience in governance. Sadly, she is more often recognized as a former senator of Bong County or as a former First Lady than for her role as Vice President during the CDC leadership.
Allegations ranging from being denied resources and benefits associated with her office, to lack of access to executive protection, and political friction within the CDC coalition, along with tensions involving President Weah’s allies, characterized much of her tenure. In 2020–2021, FrontPage Africa reported that Jewel Howard Taylor publicly acknowledged problems between herself and President Weah.
Jeremiah Koung: What Has Changed?
While our national advocacy continue to focus on equitable resource distribution and improving the lives of Liberians, it is equally important to recognize progress in political maturity and inclusive leadership.
The growing influence and popularity of Vice President Jeremiah Koung may well position him as a future successor to President Boakai. However, beyond political succession, his active inclusion in governance represents a significant and commendable shift.
A strong, cooperative relationship between a President and Vice President is essential for a healthy democracy. It reflects continuity, stability, and a unified vision for national development.
Conclusion:
Happy Birthday to Vice President Hon. Koung, and congratulations to the Unity Party–led government for demonstrating commendable leadership.
