The former Deputy Foreign Minister, B. Elias Shoniyin, has angrily dismissed reports linking him to secretly sponsoring a campaign to hinder the appointment of Foreign Minister-designate, Sarah Beysolow Nyanti.
The former deputy minister, who voluntarily resigned from the Weah-led government just over a year after the administration took over, said it was with shock and dismay that he learned of the rumor that he was eyeing the post of Foreign Minister.
Shoniyin had long since informed his professional and close associates that, while in full support of the Boakai administration, he was not opting for a government job at this time. As such, he was completely shocked about the rumor and was figuring out the sources and their motive.
Shoniyin said he believes that Sarah Beysolow Nyanti is amongst the most talented, experienced, and internationally respected Liberians, well qualified for the post of Foreign Minister, and he fully supports her nomination to that important office.
The former Deputy Foreign Minister stated that he wants journalists to remain ethical and use their platforms for the good of society and as tools to promote peace and democracy, rather than fueling tension amongst public officials.
Shoniyin is currently the Dean of the School of Global Affairs and Policy, a graduate school at Cuttington University, and concomitantly serves as the Managing Director of the Africa Development Management Associates, an executive consulting management firm that provides strategic advice and support to local and international clients on development and foreign affairs matters.