Africa has embraced democratic change, Osinbajo says at swearing-in of Liberian President Weah

*Congratulates the people of Liberia for smooth transition

The smooth transition from one democratically elected government to another in Liberia has again demonstrated the belief of the African people in the practice of democracy, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this today in Monrovia, Liberia, where he attended the inauguration of Liberian President, George Weah.

The Vice President also congratulated the President and people of Liberia for conducting a smooth transition from one democratically elected government to another.

Osinbajo further said Africa and Africans should be proud of witnessing another democratic change of leadership in Liberia.

He said, “We must also congratulate President George Weah, who today assumes the position of President of the Republic of Liberia. I think what this (inauguration) has demonstrated is the capacity of the African people not just to believe in democracy but to practice it.”

“And also, the very gracious words that President Weah spoke today concerning his predecessor and how she had laid a foundation of peace and stability for the country was very elevating indeed; and it spoke volumes for not just his character and person, but also for the sort of leadership that we Africans have come to expect, and that we are very proud to see it here in Liberia,” Osinbajo added.

Weah, who won the country’s presidential runoff election on December 26, 2017, was sworn in as the 24th President of Liberia with fanfare at the capacity-filled Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, near the capital, Monrovia.

He takes over the leadership of the country from Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf who was Liberian President between January 16, 2006 and January 22, 2018.

Jewel Howard Taylor was also sworn in as Vice President.

Several African Heads of Government and dignitaries attended President Weah’s inauguration; including President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo; President of Gabon, Ali Bongo Ondimba; and Sierra Leonean President, Ernest Bai Koroma.

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State, General (rtd.) Abdulasami Abubakar, also attended the event.

Osinbajo has since departed for Davos, Switzerland, where he will attend the 48th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting taking place from the 23rd – 26th of January, 2018.