Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday, congratulated Liberians on the successful conduct of the presidential election in the country.
Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson, in a statement released, also congratulated President-elect Joseph Boakai, who won the mandate of the people, while urging him to unite the country and build on the popular support expressed through the ballot box to deliver good governance to the people of Liberia.
The President also commended President George Weah for demonstrating uncommon leadership by conceding the election and averting any form of socio-political crisis, adding that Weah’s great act of democratic sportsmanship was exemplary, particularly at this time in West Africa, when democracy was under attack by malign actors who were bent on subverting the will of the people.
The statement reads, “I commend President George Weah for his sterling example, undiluted patriotism, and statesmanship. He has defied the stereotype that peaceful transitions of power are untenable in West Africa. He has demonstrated that the outcome of elections in the sub-region need not become the propellant of violence and unrest and that the people’s will must always be respected.”
President Tinubu, who thanked the people of Liberia for peacefully exercising their rights, implored them to remain steadfast in furthering peace and democracy.
The Informant247 had earlier reported how the African soccer legend George Weah lost his reelection bid to his opposition
Weah conceded defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai in the run-off election, which was held on Tuesday.
According to the Liberia election commission, Boakai, 78, a former vice president who lost to Weah in the 2017 election, led with 50.9% of the vote over Weah’s 49.1%, with nearly all the votes counted.
“A few moments ago, I spoke with president-elect Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory. I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections,” said Weah on National Radio on Friday.
The election was put to a run-off after Boakai had emerged neck-and-neck with Weah in the first round of voting in October but below the 50% needed to secure an outright victory.
Boakai told Reuters after the result was announced that he would champion peace and reconciliation in the county.
“We have a job ahead of us, and I’m excited that the citizens have approved us. First and foremost, we want to have a message of peace and reconciliation.”
George Weah is regarded as one of the greatest African footballers. He is the only black to win the prestigious FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1995.