Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai has stated that he remains committed to transforming Liberia, where the country will again be recognized in the world, as he promised that he will do his utmost best to make Liberia the best in Africa, meaning that it is the feeling that every Liberian shared.
The former Vice President made the statement Saturday when the Eminent Woman of the Women’s Situation Room (WSR) of the Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC) for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security congratulated him on his victory as President-elect, following the conduct of the presidential run-off election on November 14, 2023.
The WSR on Saturday, November 18, 2023 visited Ambassador Joseph Nyumah Boakai at his Rehab residence, district #6, Montserrado County, and extended congratulatory message to him. The WSR at the same time urged President-elect Joseph N. Boakai to unite Liberians, asserting that the votes indicate that the country is divided.
Therefore, according to the WSR, it is paramount to unite Liberians after the crucial October 10, 2023 presidential and legislative elections and the just-ended run-off presidential election.
ABIC Establishment Coordinator and Initiator of the Women’s Situation Room, Cllr. Dr. Yvette Chesson-Wureh, described the conductivity of the elections as a win for every Liberian, given that it was a non-violent process.
Cllr. Chesson-Wureh lauded the President-elect for the manner in which the election was conducted, saying that the manner in which the in-coming president conducted himself was not in any way an intimidation but it was his way of influencing the people to go vote for him as the best person.
“The manner in which the elections were conducted, the manner in which you conducted yourself it was not in any way an intimidation but it was like, ‘My people, let’s go vote for the best person. I am the best person, because this is what I am offering,’ and the people of Liberia heard you,” said Cllr. Wureh.
Speaking further, Cllr. Chesson-Wureh lauded out-going President George Weah for the manner in which he conducted himself by accepting the results ahead of the National Elections Commission (NEC) final announcement.
She added that his austerity exhibited a high level of maturity, adding that Liberia has made history not only for herself but the entire sub-region.
“The manner in which he conducted himself by accepting the results shows leadership maturity. Liberia has made history not only for herself but the entire sub-region. We want to thank you for that. We the people of Liberia are proud of the process, we are proud of that,” Cllr. Dr. Cheeson-Wureh further said.
For her part, the Chair of the Board of Directors of ABIC, Olubanke King-Akerele, intimated that the results of the presidential run-off election is a win for every Liberian, mentioning that it is not the Unity Party that has won nor the CDC that lost, but the entire country that has won.
She pointed out, “It is not only the Unity Party that has won or the CDC that has lost, but it is the entire country that has won. There is no republic of Unity Party, no republic of CDC, but the Republic of Liberia. Therefore, there is no loser but we are all winners, because it is the Republic of Liberia that has won.”
“You are what your message is about, ‘Think Liberia, love Liberia, and build Liberia’, and this message is what we are about. That is why we have come to say congratulations,” said King-Akerele.
Former Vice President and now President-elect, Joseph N. Boakai, in response appreciated the WSR, stating that the Women’s Situation Room has people on whose shoulders he has stood and shared a lot of appreciation with.
“Nobody has to tell me the feeling the people around the table share, the feeling the Liberians share. But all that we can do and say is to make this country a great country and place it where it ought to be on the continent.
“This is the land of liberty, and the love of liberty is what brought us here, and we can do nothing less than making Liberia the best in Africa. I am committed to that,” he maintained.
In conclusion, the in-coming President appreciated Liberians for their commitment to Liberia and the love for the country. At the same time, he appreciated the WSR for the commitment to ensuring the nation remains peaceful. And further, for being in partnership with the Women’s Situation Room, delivering the goods and making Liberia the best.
President George Weah on Friday conceded election defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai after a tight race, ending a presidency marred by graft allegations but helping to ensure a smooth transition of power in the once volatile African nation.
Boakai, 78, a former vice president who lost to Weah in the 2017 election, led with 50.6% of the vote over Weah’s 49.3%, with nearly all the votes counted, the National Elections Commission (NEC) said on Friday.