Weah vows to surpass predecessors

Liberia’s President George Manneh Weah says those who doubt his ability to deliver on the job as head of state should brace themselves to see surprises and clap for him as the only president since 1847 to bring true development.

“I’m serious. I have a task. My task is to make sure that (I deliver).” he told a thanksgiving service held in his honor Saturday, 31 March at the Gbarnga Administrative Building in Bong County.

Mr. Weah recalled the criticisms that greeted his ambition to lead the country when he emerged on the political scene. He said those who criticized him were just engaged in mere talk.

“But I can tell you, I can tell you when you see what we are trying to do, you will sit and say since 1847 George Manneh Weah is the only president, only president …. So let us work together,” he adds.

He is Liberia’s 24th elected president, and his immediate predecessor Mrs. Ellen Johnson – Sirleaf has boasted that her government has surpassed all past governments combined in terms of building more roads here.

But Mr. Weah says arrangements have been made for Indians to build a new City near Monrovia, expressing believe that job opportunities will be created there to employ Liberians while also unveiling his government’s plans to re-establish the cadet program to get students working for US$100.00, while identifying their career areas as cadets.

Before declaring the 2018 National County Meet officially opened at the Gbarnga Administrative Building, President Weah took up some time to encourage young Liberians, many of whom were students at the service, to take care of themselves and not do what others do.

He says for young people to have a successful future , they have to be focused on what they have to do and not what they see other people do. He discourages young Liberians against getting into competition with their peers for material things, but to go for what they can afford and take care of it.

President Weah further discourages young Liberians against being wasteful or following friends to do what they do, suggesting that if they are used to keeping money, they will sustain themselves for a long time.

At the service, President Weah called up the leadership of Bong County including his Vice President Jewel Howard – Taylor and broker peace among the county’s political leaders.

They honored his request to lay their hands on top his hand before the audience and recommended that they need to sit on the table to discuss their cause rather than fighting.

“I hope that our leaders no matter what happens, they must get on the table and discuss their cause. Fighting is not the order of the day. Bong County is a big county with so many people that need hope. When the leaders are fighting, it’s not good,” he says amidst applause from the audience.

Following the service and reconciliation process, President Weah and First Lady Clar Weah, Vice President Taylor and other government officials moved to the sports pitch in Gbarnga to witness the commencement of the National County Meet which featured Bong and Lofa in the first game.

Having reflected on the role of sports during the civil crisis here, Mr. Weah, a former soccer legend says sports should not be downplayed here because it is the only game that you play and even the enemy will hug you when something happens.

By Winston W. Parley