Acclaiming the triumph of democracy in Liberia, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has commended incumbent President George Weah for demonstrating exceptional statesmanship by accepting defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai in the recently concluded presidential election.
Following the official declaration of Boakai’s victory by the National Election Commission of Liberia, Jonathan, in a series of tweets titled ‘Liberia wins, Democracy gains,’ expressed his satisfaction with the democratic process that unfolded in the country.
“I am particularly grateful to the outgoing President, His Excellency George Weah, who has just conceded defeat and congratulated his opponent even ahead of the official declaration of the final result,” Jonathan tweeted.
“By doing this, President Weah has exhibited an exemplary display of statesmanship and commitment to the peace and progress of his country,” he added.
Jonathan, who served as the Chairperson of the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Mediation Mission during Liberia’s general and presidential elections, further acknowledged Boakai’s victory and urged him to embrace it graciously, while continuing his efforts to unite and advance the nation.
“The victory of Mr. Joseph Boakai is a victory for democracy and a testament to the resilience of the Liberian people,” Jonathan asserted.
“I call on Mr. Boakai to graciously embrace his victory and continue to work with all Liberians to unite and advance the country. His experience and patriotism will be invaluable in this regard.”
Jonathan emphasized that the peaceful election process and Boakai’s victory were a significant gain for both Liberia and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
“I am delighted that at the end of the exercise, Liberia wins, democracy gains and our sub-region, ECOWAS, is better for it,” he stated.
Quest Times further gathered that Boakai who previously served as Vice President under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s first elected female head of state, will officially assume the presidency upon his inauguration in January 2024.
It is worth noting that Weah, a former professional footballer, became the first African former professional footballer to assume the presidency of Liberia in 2018.