Liberia: Why George Weah is like Goodluck Jonathan – Shehu Sani

President George Weah of Liberia exhibited unwavering acts of statesmanship, sportsmanship and patriotism by conceding defeat in the country’s just-concluded presidential election, a former Nigerian lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has said.

Weah, 57, lost his re-election bid to 78-year-old Joseph Boakai,  in the second round of voting in Liberia’s presidential election held on Tuesday.

According to the results released by Davidetta Brown-Lansana, the chairperson of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Boakai polled 814,212 votes to defeat incumbent George Weah, who polled 785,778 votes.

In the keenly-contested election, the vote differential was 28,434, or 1.78 percent.

Boakai served as the 29th vice president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018, under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

He previously served as the Minister of Agriculture from 1983 to 1985.

In a post on X, Sani said that Weah showed a great example to other African nations, including Nigeria.

He said the election that led to Weah’s defeat was much more than just another election as it was reportedly credible, transparent and peaceful.

Sani said it was highly commendable that despite the slim margin of victory, the incumbent president conceded defeat and congratulated his victorious challenger.

“Liberia has cast a light in a region nearly enveloped by the darkness of military coups, controversial elections & endless political hostilities.

“Liberian election is a lesson in civility and a message of hope.

“Liberia is the new moral compass of the subregion. Liberia rose from the ashes and now becoming a tree of political tolerance and decency in West Africa.

“There was a time we rescued and saved Liberians from themselves and now they are doing same to us.

“Congratulations to Joseph Boakai for the victory and kudos to the Outgoing President George for demonstration of such unwavering act of statesmanship,Sportsmanship and patriotism.

“George should be in the league of ex-Nigeria’s President GEJ and I hope history and posterity will be kind to him,” Sani said.