Liberians Want
Weah For President
By Julu M. Johnson, Jr.
What began as rumors have now become a reality. The former Liberian
soccer legend George Oppong Weah seems set to contest the presidency
of his motherland.
The issue of Weah wanting to become president of Liberia has, even
though, been received with mixed views. There are some Liberians who
feel Weah can make the difference as the result of his love for his
country and the humanitarian moves made by the former Lone Star
captain, not forgetting his achievements as a player. There are
others who feel Weah should step aside based on claims that he is
temperamental, immature politically as well as his poor approach in
addressing matters.
However, the general view is good. The ordinary men are beginning to
put trust in Weah as the country gears up for the 2005 race.
When one goes to crowd pulling areas like Water Side, West Point,
New Kru Town, Duala, Red Light and even Central Monrovia, Weah is
the name on the lips of the impoverished Liberians.
One Weah fanatic said: "Weah may not be a well learned man, but the
politicians who profess to know it all have done nothing for the
country. All they do is steal government's money and bring war on
us."
An ex-combatants, Paul Tamba, who claimed to be have been convinced
by Weah to disarm, said, "Weah is the man we want because he has
encouraged me and my colleagues to realize that war is not good for
us. He also told us to go to school."
The former African player of the year is yet to make his intention
known publicly or speak about the demand of his compatriots.
But the process has already begun and Weah is very shortly expected
to be petitioned.
A meeting of the committee to petition Weah for the presidency held
its organizing program at the Monrovia City Hall on Wednesday.
Weah and his entourage were also present at the occasion.
There are close to 50 persons that have already made their vows to
vie for Liberia's biggest seat. The Mighty Barrolle president Lewis
Browne is one of them. Some include Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Dr.
Togba Nah-Tipoteh, Cllr. Varney Sherman, Cornelius Hunter, Dr.
Winston Tubman, Nathaniel Barnes and Milton Teahjay.
Weah has long been linked to the Liberian presidency. He once upon a
time fell out with the former Liberian ruler Charles Taylor from the
days of the civil war.
Matters became even worse for Weah when Taylor was president. As a
result, Weah opted to stay in exile until Taylor was removed from
power.
Truly, when Taylor left the chair and went to Calabar, Nigeria, Weah
returned home and is now a regular visitor in his homeland.
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