Buhari Congratulates Liberia’s President-Elect, George Weah

In this file photo taken on April 28, 2016 former international football star George Weah looks at his supporters at his party's headquarters in Monrovia.<br />Ex-football superstar George Weah was announced the winner on December 28, 2017 of Liberia's presidential run-off, beating Vice President Joseph Boakai in the first democratic transfer of power in decades following two devastating civil wars. / AFP PHOTO / Zoom DOSSO

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Mr. George Weah on his election as the next President of Liberia.

Buhari, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, yesterday also commended the Liberian people on the peaceful conduct of the historic presidential run-off election, stressing that “this is another plus on Africa’s democratic scoreboard.”

The President, on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, equally applauded the efforts of the country’s National Election Commission, as well as regional and international observers contributed immensely to the electoral process and the strengthening of post-conflict democracy in the West African country.

Describing Weah’s victory as an affirmation of the will of the Liberian people to remain united, peaceful and prosperous, Buhari pledged Nigeria’s readiness to work with Liberia on issues of mutual interest at bilateral, regional and global levels for the benefit of citizens of both countries.

The Nigerian leader also commended outgoing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, under whose 12-year watch Liberia transformed from being a pariah state to a country doing remarkably well on many fronts, such as women and civil rights issue, peace building and consolidation, ECOWAS and the Mano River Union.

The President also noted that Sirleaf deserves special commendation for the statesmanship she has shown in ensuring free and fair elections that would pave the way for a peaceful transfer of political power from one democratically elected leader to another for the first time in 73 years.

While wishing Weah and Liberians a peaceful transition, Buhari reassured them of Nigeria’s determination to sustain the current cordial relationship with the country.