Two weeks ago, former President George M. Weahinformed the Liberian government about an invitation extended him for a diplomatic meeting in Accra, Ghana, with arrangements made for a private jet.
In preparation, Executive Protection Service (EPS)officers were dispatched as early as 7:00 a.m. on Thursday morning to facilitate the former President’s departure. However, upon his arrival at the airport, hediscovered that the Presidential Lounge was locked.
According to Lenn Eugene Nagbe, who explained the ordeal on OK FM, after inquiring with protocol officers they were informed that only the VIP lounge was available, but no immigration officers were present.
“We were advised to proceed through the regular terminal for security checks and return to the VIP lounge once immigration officers arrived. Hereafter, I told the protocol officers at the Airport to leave it, and that we would use the ordinary terminal to go,” Nagbe said.
Political pundits, weighing in on the matter, averred that in politics the titles of “Former President” and “Former Vice President” hold a significant weight, embodying a legacy of service and leadership. The pundit said while the actions and decisions of individuals in these roles may be subject to scrutiny, it is essential to maintain respect for the titles they once held.
“Disrespect towards former officeholders, such as Former President George Weah and Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, should not set a precedent for how we treat all former Presidents and Vice Presidents,” the political pundits observed.
“Regardless of personal opinions or disagreements, upholding a level of dignity and decorum towards these titles is crucial for the integrity of our democratic institutions. Ultimately, the focus should remain on the responsibilities and legacies associated with the roles of President and Vice President, rather than on individual personalities.
“President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung shall be former Presidents and Vice Presidents. Would it be appropriate to treat them with the same disrespect often shown to Former President George Weah and Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor?” the pundits wondered.
The Hot Pepper confirmed that the former President of Liberia, accompanied by his wife, Clar M. Weah, was denied access to both the new and old VIP Lounge at the Robert International Airport on Thursday, June 6, 2024, causing them to use the ordinary terminal instead.
Former George Manneh Weah departed Liberia yesterday for the Republic of Ghana and later to New York, the United States of America. However, upon arrival in Accra, Ghana, the Hot Pepper was informed that former President Weah used the VIP Lounge in Ghana,after being reportedly denied the same privilege in his own country.