BEVERLY HILLS, January 22, (THEWILL) – Football legend, George Weah, has been sworn in as the 24th President of the Republic of Liberia.
Weah took his oath of office at exactly noon inside the 35,000 capacity Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia.
At least eight African Heads of States, including President Muhammadu Buhari represented by Vice Present Yemi Osinbajo, and international soccer stars witnessed the ceremony.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, were also at the ceremony as they arrived Monrovia on Monday morning.
Obasanjo’s plane touched down at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) at 8:01a.m. (9a.m. Nigerian time) while Saraki, accompanied by Senators Philip Aduda and Osita Izunaso, arrived at 9:02a.m.
On hand to receive them were the Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia, Mr James Dimka; Force Commander for the United Nations Mission in Liberia, Maj.-Gen. Salihu Uba, among other officials.
Speaking to newsmen, Obasanjo said he was proud to witness a peaceful democratic transfer of power in Liberia considering the huge sacrifices made by Nigeria for peace and stability in the country.
“I am very happy over what is happening in Liberia today and I congratulate my brothers and sisters in this great country,” he said.
Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo arrived minutes before the Saraki.
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Austin Okocha, was among the international soccer stars already in the country.
Okocha arrived at 9.54 a.m. into the warm embrace of soccer fans and government officials from other countries that fell over themselves to take photographs with the football legend.