Former World footballer of the year George Weah was on Monday sworn in as the 24th President of Liberia.
The event which took place at the Samuel K. Doe Stadium in Monrovia attracted creme dela creme of the society cutting across politics social and the sports circles.
The 51 year old former PSG and Monaco striker took over from former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who became Africa’s first female head of state 12 years ago and has served two terms of six years each. Monday’s inauguration marked the first time the country will be having peaceful transition since 1944.
Weah who remained consistent in his quest to occupy the number one seat in his country finally pulled through after winning 61.5 percent of the votes in the run-off elections against former vice President Joseph Boakai.
The new President extended hands of fellowship to all his country men and women, noting that they all have to work together to give the country a new position of prestige in the community of nations. Taking to his twitter handle
@GeorgeWeahOff, the former Arsenal player who was a serving senator before emerging President said
“In the future months, together, we will need to work harder than ever for Liberia to grow stronger. This is our opportunity to reveal to the world the true potential of our country”
The new president in his speech hinted of possible increase in worker’s salary, expressed hope that the move will help checkmate corruption but warned that those who soil their hands after such measures have been taken will be made to smell the rod.
“We must pay civil servants a living wage so that corruption is not an excuse because you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
“I promise to do everything in my power to be the agent of positive change. But I cannot do it alone. I call on the legislature to work with me to pass laws that will complete the foundation of our nation,” he submitted