Big event to honor Dr. Sawyer

-UN envoy to speak
In honor of the Chairman of the Governance Commission, Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, is expected to deliver a keynote address in Liberia at a one-day international symposium on democratic governance and development in Africa and their challenges.

A group calling itself “Well-Wishers of Amos Claudius Sawyer or WACS”, issued a statement regarding the event on 30 June in commemoration of Dr. Sawyer’s service to Liberia and humanity at 70.

WACS has, for the last two weeks, been holding several events to honor Dr. Amos Sawyer at 70 years, while reflecting on his intellectual, political and governance experience in Liberia, West Africa and the African Continent at large.

The symposium is expected at the Monrovia City today Thursday, July 2.

Political leaders, a range of opinion leaders in public and private spheres and individuals who, at various times, worked with or have been otherwise associated with Dr. Sawyer, are expected to attend.

President Ellen Johhnson-Sirleaf is expected to grace the occasion and make special remarks during the opening of the symposium on today, WACS said.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Liberia Madam Chigozie Obi-Nnadozie recently hosted an elaborate dinner befitting Dr. Sawyer’s service to the promotion of peace and exceptional cordiality between Liberia and Nigeria over the years, and with the holding of the historic elections in Nigeria where Sawyer led the AU Observer mission.

According to the Convener of the Symposium, River Gee County Senator Conmany B. Wesseh, among other guests and speakers invited include one of Nigeria’s and Africa’s leading Political Scientist, Dr. Adele Jinadu, Professor of Political Science University of Lagos.

Liberia’s Associate Justice Kabineh J’anneh will also deliver a paper at the symposium.

The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Madam Salamatu Husseini Suleiman is expected in Liberia for the occasion in furtherance of the commission’s appreciation to Dr. Amos Sawyer.

Dr. Sawyer- a former President of the Interim Government of National Unity, has on numerous occasions headed the ECOWAS Elections Observation Missions in the sub region, among the many roles he has played to foster peace and democracy in the sub region.

Liberia’s Governance Commission, the St. Stephen Church, Family and political friends have, for the last two weeks, joined various levels of activities to celebrate the life of one of Dr. Sawyer.