Former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has advised Liberia President-elect, George Weah to deepen democracy and sustain the peace enjoyed under Johnson-Sirleaf within her 12-year tenure.
Abubakar spoke on Sunday shortly after arriving in Monrovia for Monday’s inauguration of Weah scheduled to hold at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
“It is a pleasure to see that in our region democracy is growing from strength to strength.
“Liberia is a sister country to Nigeria, and during the Liberian crisis, the world knows the sacrifice Nigeria made in this country in terms of human and material resources.
“I commend the Nigerian government, the troops and Nigerians who supported Liberia during the crisis to arrive at this day.’’
Abubaka, who led an ECOWAS mediation team that negotiated the setting up of an interim government in 2003 after the Liberia civil war, said the country was dear to his heart.
“It is an interest for me as the mediator to see the work we did is blossoming from strength to strength.
“That’s why when I had the invitation of both the outgoing President and the president-elect to attend this inauguration, I did not hesitate to come.
“He (Weah) should learn from his brothers and sisters in the region; his brother Heads of State and Heads of Government.
“He should not shy away from seeking advice and assistance in order help this country”, he told NAN.
The former head of state arrived Roberts International Airport in a Nigerian presidential jet.
He was received at the VIP wing by the Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia, Mr James Dimka, and the Force Commander for the United Nations Mission in Liberia, Maj.-Gen. Salihu Uba.
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo is expected to represent President Muhammadu Buhari at the occasion, according to Nigerian embassy officials.
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo; President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, and Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo, are also expected to attend the ceremony. (NAN)
