The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria accredited near Monrovia has paid tribute to Liberia’s political leadership and the country’s 5.4 million population for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 legislative and presidential elections.
Closest in nearly two decades, the elections entered history after incumbent President George Weah admitted defeat in record time while final results were pending.
“This singular act averted any possible form of socio-political crisis in the country,” Manir Ibrahim, the Charge D’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy said in a statement shared with the Oracle News Daily Thursday.
“He indeed demonstrated commitment to the enthronement of democracy in Liberia, an act which is worthy of emulation by African Leaders most especially this time when the continent is being faced by reversal of democracy.
“At this juncture, and owing to the fact that the two gladiators have accepted the verdict of the people, it is high time for the Liberian populace to follow suite in promoting national cohesion in order for the country to have desired peace for development.”
Nigeria played dominant role in ending Liberia brutal civil wars between 1990 and the 2000s.
In addition to the loss of lives and injuries to personnel, ECOMOG, a regional interventionist mediation force advocated to end the protracted civil war, was operated at an estimated cost of 8 billion United States dollars to the Nigerian government, Gen. Leo Irabor, a defense authority knowledgeable of the situation said in May of this year.
The Full Statement:
The Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wish to congratulate the Government and good people of the Republic of Liberia for the successful conduct of the Presidential election.
Profound congratulations to the President- Elect, His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai for winning the trust of the Liberians during the November, 14 Presidential run-off elections. The victory of H.E Boakai has accorded him with opportunity to unite the country and provide good governance to the people.
The action by the incumbent President His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah in conceding defeat was commendable. This singular act averted any possible form of socio-political crisis in the country.
He indeed demonstrated commitment to the enthronement of democracy in Liberia, an act which is worthy of emulation by African Leaders most especially this time when the continent is being faced by reversal of democracy.
Special congratulations also to the National Election Commission (NEC) for standing neutral and playing impartial roles in organizing the elections despite challenges.
Indeed, the Chairperson of the NEC Madam Davidatta Brown-Lansanah and her staff of indefatigable industry have demonstrated high level of Patriotism in carrying out their assigned responsibilities to the satisfaction of both parties.
Their uncommon positions during the last election were highly commendable.
Tribute to the people of Liberia both male and female electorates who demonstrated keen interest in discharging their civic responsibilities throughout electioneering period.
The display of peace, patriotism and indeed love for Liberia on the election day is an indication of their commitment to promote rule of law and democracy not only in Liberia but also Africa at large.
Violent free election in Liberia is a manifestation of political socialization of Liberians.
At this juncture, and owing to the fact that the two gladiators have accepted the verdict of the people, it is high time for the Liberian populace to follow suite in promoting national cohesion in order for the country to have desired peace for development.
