John AdoyiIn a historic turn of events, Liberian citizens bid farewell to former President George Weah as Joseph Boakai, 79, officially assumed office today following a well-fought battle that earned him his victory in the 2023 presidential election.
Boakai, who served as Vice President under postwar leader Johnson Sirleaf from 2005 to 2017, secured 50.64 percent of the vote in a run-off election, defeating Weah with a 20,567-vote margin what he could not achieve in 2017 that he was defeated also in a run-off.
Weah, a former international football star, had high hopes when he took office in 2018, but his presidency faced criticism for alleged corruption and an inability to address the nation’s pressing issues. Despite his global popularity as a football icon, Weah struggled to attract investments to Liberia, leading to a downward spiral of the economy.
Many Liberians had anticipated that Weah’s charisma and international reputation would translate into economic prosperity for the West African nation. However, his administration was marred by allegations of corruption, with officials accused of using their positions for personal gain.
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The economic challenges faced by Liberia under Weah’s leadership included a shambolic economy, a significant infrastructure deficit, and soaring unemployment rates, leaving the population of 5 Million grappling with economic hardships that was worsened by the outbreak of COVID19 pandemic that locked down the world.
Joseph Boakai, with four decades of political experience, has promised to address these critical issues that have plagued Liberia. In his victory speech, President Boakai emphasized his commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring the proper functioning of the country’s institutions, particularly the justice system.
Corruption has long been a pervasive issue in Liberia, hindering the nation’s development and perpetuating a cycle of impunity. Boakai, despite concerns about his age, views his 79 years as a blessing and an asset. As the oldest president in Liberia’s history, he believes his wealth of experience will guide the nation toward progress and prosperity.
The Liberian people are now looking to President Boakai to fulfill his promises and lead the nation through a period of recovery. With a focus on fighting corruption and revitalizing the economy, Boakai’s presidency marks a new chapter for Liberia, bringing hope for positive change and a brighter future.
Mr. Weah who bows out today has promised that his Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) party would remain a strong opposition.
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