In a working session Friday, 24 November President George Manneh Weah challenged officials of the Joint Presidential Transition Team (JPTT) to demonstrate honesty and love for country in their deliberations to ensure smooth transfer of power from his administration to incoming President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and his team.
“Today, we are on the verge of passing this symbolic staff to another democratically elected leader, marking yet another important chapter in our democratic journey; let us ensure an effective, efficient, and seamless transfer of power to President-Elect Boakia and his team”, President Weah urged.
The call truly demonstrates Mr. Weah’s unwavering commitment to delivering a smooth transition, which has won him huge admirations across the globe and placed Liberia on the spotlight for all good reasons.
The football icon-turned-politician is going down in history, as the first African president in recent history to concede defeat and congratulate his main rival even before the announcement of final poll results by the National Election Commission.
Members and supporters of his outgoing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) are yet to digest and accept the quality of democratic pedestal their standard bearer has established for Liberia, and there can be no reversal.
The leader has spoken and must sink down the spines of CDCians that power does not belong to a particular political party or government, but the people. Hence, whenever the people decide in an election who should govern their affairs to enable them enjoy peace, prosperity, and happiness, nothing else but to obey.
It is in this light that President Weah is urging members of JPTT to prioritize and focus on the national interest above selfish interests by placing the general good of the Liberian people first and foremost in their deliberations on the road to handing over power in January 2024. In other words, these are moments of stock-taking and proper reporting other than what some may think is a last-minute opportunity to scrip what is left of the national coffers to line their pockets and leave.
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But Mr. Weah informed JPTT members that his administration’s democratic achievements have set a new and enviable standard, not just for Liberia, but for Africa and the global community, saying that “By graciously conceding and congratulating President-Elect Boakai ahead of the final tally, we have also earned global recognition and admiration.”
This is so true and it is the main reason why nothing should be done or no one should be allowed to make the road thru the transition rocky. A smooth landing of the incoming administration will pay off in dividends that we must strive to achieve, for as President Weah notes, this monumental achievement is a victory not just for one political entity but all Liberians and the entire country.
