-Weah vows in inaugural speech
By our Staff Writer
Liberia’s 24th President George Manneh Weah, 51 has vowed to punish corrupt officials in line with the laws of the country, as he delivered his inaugural address after being sworn into office at the main stadium in Monrovia’s Paynesville suburb on Monday.
Corruption had haunted past governments in Liberia.
Weah’s predecessor, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf admitted that she had failed to win the war against the menace, describing it as a “vampire”.
But the incoming Liberian leader said officials of Government must put the interest of the Liberian people above their own selfish interests.
“It is time to be honest with our people. Though corruption is a habit amongst our people, we must end it. We must pay civil servants a living wage, so that corruption is not an excuse for taking what is not theirs. Those who do not refrain from enriching themselves at the expense of the people – the law will take its course. I say today that you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” the new Liberian President said.
Weah also promised to increase the wages of civil servants in order to reduce corruption.
But while promising a robust fight against corruption and pay raise, President Weah spoke of the need for the lowering of expectations, something that has seen an upsurge with the overwhelming votes given him at the ballot box last December.
“We must also learn the virtue of patience, and learn to lower our expectations, for I do not promise you quick fixes or miracles,” Weah cautioned Liberians.
Just a day earlier, the Liberian Christian cleric, who served as the new President’s Spiritual Advisor during the recent election campaign, said that citizens elected him and his officials to provide urgent solutions to the problems confronting the nation.
Bishop Emeritus Matthew T. Gweh of the Evangelical Congregational Church in Monrovia said during the Inaugural thanksgiving service on Sunday that Weah, his deputy Jewel Howard Taylor and all other officials must see their task as an emergency and not delay in delivering on the promises made during the campaign.
“I tell you Mr. President, We are expecting everything now,” Bishop Gweh said.
Also in his inaugural speech, Weah promised to not only uphold the gains made by ex-President Sirleaf in upholding free speech, but said he will protect freedom of assembly void of intimidation and arrest.
The new Liberian leader stressed the need to sustain peace and national unity, urging his citizens “to look away from the things that divide us, and draw strength and energy from the things that unite us.”
Weah thanked ECOWAS, the UN, Europe, the United States, China and the international community for the support given Liberia over the years in achieving the level of peace and development that this country has achieved so far.
But he called for further support during his administration.
Regarding business and the economy, Liberia’s new President assured investors that “Liberia is open for business.”
But he promised to protect and support Liberian businesses saying, “Liberians will not be spectators in their own economy”