Former President Goodluck Jonathan has lauded the show of statesmanship by Liberian president, George Weah, in the just concluded presidential election for accepting defeat to opposition leader, Joseph Boakai.
Liberia’s electoral commission reported that Boakai polled 50.89 per cent after tallying the ballots from more than 99 per cent of polling stations, while Weah had 49.11 per cent.
In a statement via his X (formerly twitter), the former Nigerian leader commended Weah for accepting defeat and congratulating his opponent ahead of the official declaration.
“I am also particularly grateful to the outgoing President, His Excellency George Weah, who has just conceded defeat and congratulated his opponent even ahead of the official declaration of the final result by the National Election Commission of Liberia.
“By doing this, President Weah has exhibited an exemplary display of statesmanship and commitment to the peace and progress of his country.” the tweet partly reads
Congratulating the Boakai, former president Jonathan urged the president-elect to be “magnanimous in victory and seek to continue the efforts to unite and advance his country.”
Leading the West African Elders Forum Mediation Mission to the Liberian polls, Jonathan noted that the win and the peaceful election process was a plus for democracy and the West African regional bloc – the Economic Community of West African States.
“I am delighted that at the end of the exercise, Liberia wins, democracy gains and our sub-region, ECOWAS, is better for it,” Jonathan stated.
