IPNEWS: Even though he paved the way for a smooth transition that brought the Joseph N. Boakai to power after a heavily contested elections in the October 2023 polls with a little over 17000 votes in what political pundits call ‘real commitment to change’.
Former President George Weah, through out the transitional period provided lead to ensuring the peace of Liberia was maintained unlike the previous.
Even after the inauguration of President Joseph N. Boakai as Liberia’s 25th president, relations between the president and former president seems to look gray from a far.
Since then, former president Weah and President Joseph N. Boakai have not being seen in public since his return to the county in February 2024, after a brief stay.
In February 2024, upon his return, reports emerged about the former president and delegation were prevented from using the Clar Marie VIP Lounge Terminal on orders of the government, even though Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana, in a Facebook post, said at no time former President Weah was denied access to the VIP Lounge Terminal at the Airport.
The former President and his delegation instead, used the old VIP Lounge Terminal at the RIA upon arrival despite prior announcement by airport security apparatus about his return to the country.
Now, another incident of denial to the Clar Marie VIP Lounge Terminal has been reported.
Former Maritime Boss, Eugen Nagbe confirmed that UP government has once more denied former president Weah from using the Clara Marie Weah VIP Lounge at the RIA.
According to Hon. Nagbe, two weeks ago, former President Weah informed the Liberian government about an invitation extended to him for a diplomatic meeting in Accra, Ghana, with arrangements made for a private jet.
Speaking on OK Afternoon Conversation with Julius Jeh late Thursday, the CDC stalwart claimed that EPS officers were by 7am on Thursday deployed at the airport to facilitate the former President’s departure.
He noted that upon the arrival of former President Weah and his team at the airport, they discovered that the Presidential Lounge which was expected to be used by the former Liberian leader during his departure was locked; something he said prevented them from accessing the area.
Nagbe further indicated that due to the closure of the VIP lounge, they advised former President Weah and his delegation to use the regular terminal for security checks to avoid embarrassment.
Lenn Eugene Nagbe, former campaign chairman for the Coalition for Democratic Change and former president George Weah staunch supporter has disclosed that current Liberian President, Joseph Nyumah Boakai has avoided speaking to his predecessor, George Weah, since taking office.
“Weah is a peaceful man, as you all know. As an incumbent at the time, Weah conceded defeat and called to congratulate President Boakai in 2023 as the president-elect,” Nagbe emphasized. This remark highlights Weah’s acceptance of the electoral outcome and his attempt to foster a smooth transition of power.
Despite the peaceful concession, Nagbe pointed out that Boakai has refrained from any direct communication with Weah since assuming the presidency. This avoidance of dialogue between the current and former leaders raises concerns about the state of political harmony in Liberia.
Nagbe also noted that, regardless of the political challenges he faces, George Weah remains committed to peace. “My political godfather, George Weah, will remain peaceful no matter what political temptations he faces.” Lenn Eugene Nagbe, former campaign chairman for the Coalition for Democratic Change stated.
