Monrovia – President-elect George Weah has come to the realization that he’s not a good public speaker, but he’s confident that good speeches would not impact the country under his watch, but good decisions, he said.
Report by Lennart Dodoo, [email protected] & Bettie Johnson-Mbayo, [email protected]
Senator Weah had a phenomenal victory in the December 26 runoff election against Vice President Joseph Boakai. Hundreds of his supporters took to the principal streets of Monrovia in jubilation. Many of them are of the belief that Weah’s presidency is redemption for the country.
The President-elect, a former soccer star, has compounded this belief with boisterous promises though little details have been provided on how these assurances are going to be achieved.
He often faced backlashes for his ‘failure’ to give a vivid explanation of how his campaign promises would be realized.
However, he extolled himself as a technical person who would be able to make good decision for the betterment of the country.
“I’m a technical person, I will not read or write for you the best speeches, but I will make for you the best decisions to develop Liberia.”
“I know one day Liberians will get tired with me so I want to leave a big mark before that time,” said Senator Weah when he spoke with a group of young people in Monrovia.
Weah, positioning himself as the redeemer, further stated, “Liberia is 170 years old, it’s not because of me Liberia is like this, maybe because of me Liberia will be better.”
During his victory speech on Saturday, December 29, Weah told reporters at his party’s headquarters that his government’s key focus would be transforming the lives of Liberians.
“I can truly say that the best way to celebrate all Liberians is to improve their lives through the instruments of pro-poor public governance. I declare publicly today that transforming the lives of all Liberians is a singular mission and focus of my presidency,” he said.
He extended an arm of welcome to Diaspora Liberians to come back home with their skills, expertise and experience to form part of his government.
Weah is not ignorant of the fact that corruption remained one of the topmost challenges of outgoing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and he’s apparently luring to win the admiration of Liberians with his lofty promises to fight corruption.
He says his government will not recycle officials who have been caught in the web of corruption.
According to him, his leadership will dismiss and ensure that those found in such allegation are prosecuted.
He added that there is no space to accept anyone who will deprive the Liberian people of their just benefits.
“I want to leave a legacy; I know I have critics out there that say I don’t have experience, I can’t make it.
How can a country that claims to be the best nation that has professors, lawyers and doctors say that if I win things will not be right?
“They are working I am not going to be Foreign Minister, Defense Minister; no, Liberians are going to work, but what will not be tolerated is the everyday taking from the people,” he said in interview with the VOA.
Weah added, “I will not encourage a corrupt government, when you are corrupt you will have a problem and you will not be circulated.”
For the soccer legend, his role on the pitch puts him in the position to be a better leader and he would remain focused on his goals.
He says, “I’m a good number 5, I am a person that brings people around, lot of our good defenders. I passed them and it’s because I’m a good runner until it is done and that is why I believe in keeping your eyes are on the ball, getting success when people think that it is impossible.”
He referenced members of the party who left for other political parties after he lost the 2005 elections and pride himself for keeping the CDC together.
Weah: “I am a great leader, and that’s who I am, a motivator, and if there is a problem we sit around and discuss it.”
“Many people described my partisans as hooligans but today our partisans have transformed because they listen to me. And I let them know that you have to be respectful and you have to respect authority.”
“Your behavior can lead you to higher heights. I grew up with my grandmother in a Christian environment, and I left Liberia as a young man and made life better because I was humble.”
“For me it’s not what people say but I love execution; I work hard and when I started, people never thought that they were coming to join CDC like the way they have come today but we remained a peaceful and respected party.”