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Tag: ECOWAS

  • Buhari, ECOWAS chief meet on economic stability, common market

    Buhari, ECOWAS chief meet on economic stability, common market

    President Muhammadu Buhari and the President of Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), Mr. Jean Claude Brou, on Friday held closed-door meeting at Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Brou said his visit to the State House was to thank President Buhari on his efforts towards regional integration in the West African sub-region.

    He also said that issues like stability in the sub-region, common market as well as common currency were discussed at the meeting.

    He said: “Well yesterday (Thursday) March 1, the handover was done and I took charge. It was important after having taken charge that I come and visit President Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to inform him that I am the new President of ECOWAS and to thank him for the support that he has continued to give to ECOWAS.

    “Nigeria is the host country of ECOWAS and the most important country of ECOWAS, so it is extremely important that we come and thank President Buhari for the continuous support that Nigeria has provided to ECOWAS and inform him of some of the key issues facing ECOWAS.

     

    “There are several activities, programmes and challenges and it is an opportunity to really seek President Buhari’s guidance, advise and how best we can advance the agenda of integration in West Africa.”

    On what was the response of President Buhari at the meeting, the ECOWAS President added: “President Buhari of course responded very positively. He is fully committed to promoting the regional integration agenda and he has promised to continue his support so that progress can be made for the benefit of all the population of the 15 member countries of ECOWAS.”

    Brou also said he discussed some key challenges facing the sub-region with President Buhari.

    “There are several challenges and of course many progresses have been made, many advances have been made but of course we still have to continue to work.

    “The Heads of State have given clear orientation to issues such as peace, stability, economic integration, common market and the issue of a common currency.

    “Recently there was the Heads is State meeting in Accra, Ghana, there is a task force to work on this issue, the issue of agriculture and several other issues.

    “Of course, if we continue to work together, we will make more progress and consider these issues.”

  • NEPC, LCCI to ease Nigeria’s export within ECOWAS

    A Committee  has been formed for ease of goods movement within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    In the committee are the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC),
    Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and regulatory agencies in the export sector, such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    At the committee’s inauguration  tagged: “Nigeria ECOWAS Export Development”, it was noted that the West African sub-region is a huge market with huge potential for growth if well harnessed by member states.

    According to the committee, the potential of export from Nigeria into the ECOWAS region can be seen in the items of import into the region from Asia, America and Europe.

    It listed the top 10 products being imported into the region from various parts of the world to include fuel, vehicles, tractors, cycles, machinery, mechanical appliances and boilers, cereals, plastics, pharmaceuticals, fish and seafood.

    LCCI President Mr. Babatunde Ruwase noted that the forum presented an opportunity to review the state of economic integration in the sub-region, identify the challenges and proffer solutions, especially from the private sector perspective.

    He said: “For too long, private sector organisations and institutions have confined themselves to the comfort of their individual countries, while our counterparts in other parts of the world are advancing the frontiers of their economies and markets through integration.

    “In these days of the growing forces of globalisation, this individualistic disposition and outlook may not be sustainable. We need to broaden our perspectives and thinking beyond our individual countries. We should begin to develop not only national, but also continental and global outlook for our businesses and economies.”

    Ruwase emphasised the need to tackle current frustrating barriers to trade in the sub-region, noting that the trade treaties were not being implemented.

    He added: “Compliance levels are very low and commitment to the trade protocols is very weak. After 43 years of ECOWAS, we are still grappling with numerous tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade.”

     

  • Buhari warns ECOWAS countries against currency integration

    Buhari warns ECOWAS countries against currency integration

    President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against implementing the planned currency integration in the sub-region by the year 2020.

    President Buhari, who was represented by the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, spoke yesterday during the fifth meeting of the Presidential Task Force on ECOWAS Currency Programme in Accra, Ghana.

    He noted that Heads of Government had not properly articulated and analysed a comprehensive picture of the state of preparedness of individual countries for monetary integration by 2020.

    He reiterated that the non-preparedness of some member countries had watered down criteria and the continuing disparities between macro-economic conditions in ECOWAS countries.

    President Buhari further observed that ECOWAS Heads of Government had not been adequately briefed on the full implications of forcing through the integration by 2020, particularly where some countries were not individually ready domestically.

    While pointing out that there were still outstanding issues in the roadmap to an integrated currency union, he noted that the macro-economic fundamentals of many countries in ECOWAS were diverse and uncertain. He also noted that the inflation targeting regime recommended as framework was not feasible as it was based on adoption of a flexible exchange rate regime. He equally noted that real convergence was nowhere near achievable despite efforts made so far.

    President Buhari therefore called for a push towards ratification and domestication of legal instruments and related protocols, and the harmonization of all fiscal, trade and monetary policies and statistical systems, with a view to limiting the extent of current policy divergences.

    He also advised that the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) countries to make a presentation on a clear roadmap towards delinking from the French Treasury.

  • ECOWAS imposes sanctions on Guinea-Bissau politicians

    ECOWAS imposes sanctions on Guinea-Bissau politicians

    ECOWAS has imposed sanctions on 20 Guinea-Bissau politicians and businessmen, including travel bans and asset freezes, accusing them of undermining efforts to resolve a prolonged political crisis.

    The decision followed the nomination by President Jose Vaz to the post of prime minister late January, in violation of a 2016 ECOWAS-brokered deal.

    Among those targeted by the sanctions were members of Vaz’s parliamentary faction as well have his son, Emerson Goudiaby Vaz.

    “The Conakry Accord has not been implemented and as a consequence it is appropriate to apply sanctions to those falling short,” ECOWAS said in a statement.

    For over two years, Vaz has been embroiled in a bitter dispute within his own ruling African Party of the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde that has hobbled the government.

    The impasse has sparked regular protest marches and raised fears of instability that diplomats fear could be exploited by drug traffickers, who have long used the turbulent nation as a transit point for shipments between South America and Europe.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: ECOWAS parliament ends 3-day visit to North-East

    Under the ECOWAS deal aimed at ending the impasse, Vaz had been meant to name a prime minister agreed in consensus with the rival faction, which is headed by former Prime Minister Domingo Pereira.

    Pereira’s supporters have rejected Silva’s nomination.

    the news men reports that on Dec. 17, 2017, at a meeting Nigeria’s capital, Abuja West African leaders threatened to slap Guinea-Bissau with sanctions unless the country’s grinding political crisis was resolved within two months.

    In a summit in Nigeria, the Ecowas said it was “disappointed with the absence of progress in the peace process” in the tiny West African state, which has been in the grip of a power struggle since August 2015.

    The crisis erupted when President Vaz sacked then Prime Minister Domingo Simoes Pereira.

    Talks mediated by Guinean President Alpha Conde and Togolese counterpart Faure Gnassingbe in October 2016 had envisaged naming a new prime minister and assembling a unity government.

    Ecowas called on Conde and Gnassingbe “to continue consultation within the next two months without which collective and individual sanctions will be handed down against all those who constitute themselves into an obstacle”.

    Vaz had proposed fresh talks to find a way out of the crisis but opposition parties objected to the plan.

    Guinea-Bissau has been plagued by military coups and instability since its independence from Portugal in 1974.

    NAN

  • INEC to get 26.5m euros grant for 2019 polls

    INEC to get 26.5m euros grant for 2019 polls

    The European Union (EU) yesterday  in Abuja re-affirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s electoral process with a 26.5 million Euros grant.

    The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Ketil Karlsen, made the disclosure at the launch of the EU Support Programme to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN).

    Karlsen said that the electoral process, which would be funded over a period of five years, was aimed at promoting transparent, inclusive and credible elections.

    “The overall objective of the EU-SDGN is to contribute to the reinforcement of democracy in Nigeria through building strong, effective and legitimate democratic institutions.

    “Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Nigeria is at a pivotal moment that allows the country to take important steps to consolidate democracy and strengthen the electoral process.

    “The EU continues to partner with Nigeria in the on-going reform process with a view to strengthening the capacity to conduct well-managed elections with ample participation of all Nigerians.

    “For this to happen, all must contribute, from the key institutions to the political parties, candidates, media and civil society.’’

    Karlsen said that the project would be anchored in the priority areas identified by the Nigerian government.

    He said that it would also build on the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission, made after the 2015 elections as well as those of the EU Expert Identification Formulation Mission to Nigeria.

    He said that the programme would focus on five areas of support, including improved quality of electoral administration in Nigeria and effective discharge of legislative function in compliance with democratic principles and standards.

    The envoy identified other areas as enhanced pluralism, tolerance, internal democracy and equality of opportunity of political parties and fair, accurate and ethical coverage of the electoral process by the media.

    He said the other area was women, youths and marginalised citizens, civil society orgainisations and other relevant agencies contributing to enhance the electoral process.

    Mr Jose Pinto-teixeira, Vice-President of the European Centre for Electoral Support, said that the programme would be implemented from 2017 to 2022.

    “Our work revolves around building on the already notable resources and tools developed to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria.

    “This programme is being launched, ahead of the 2019 elections knowing that for many stakeholders, including the electoral management bodies in Nigeria, elections are regular and continuous events given the many by-elections that have been taking place so far.’’

    Pinto-teixeira said that the programme had five inter-connected components, comprising support to INEC, National Assembly, political parties, CSOs and the media.

    The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the inauguration of the programme was another demonstration of the EU’s commitment to the promotion of the rule of law, good governance and democracy in Nigeria.

    Yakubu said for the 2019 elections, INEC would be conducting elections in 1,558 constituencies nationwide made up of one presidential constituency, 29 governorship constituencies, 109 senatorial districts, 360 federal constituencies and 991 state constituencies.

    He said that INEC had registered 74 million voters so far.

    The INEC chief said that Nigeria had 68 political parties with about 100 new applications awaiting registration with a proposal from the National Assembly on independent candidacy.

    Mr Samson Itodo, the Executive Director, Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement, said the gap identified in 2015 was that youths were not given support to contest.

     

  • Ekwueme had impeccable integrity, courage, selflessness – Osinbajo

    Ekwueme had impeccable integrity, courage, selflessness – Osinbajo

    *Ngige: Ekwueme rejected Senate President offer from Obasanjo
    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday said that the late Vice President in the Second Republic, Dr. Alex Ekwueme had impeccable integrity,  courage and selflessness.
    Ekwueme had died in a London hospital last year. 
    Speaking at the Night of Song service organized by the Federal Government in honour of the deceased, Osinbajo said that the late Ekwueme worked tirelessly to build and maintain bridges across the country.
    According to him, Ekwueme understood the symbolism of leaders of the nation to honour God.
    He said,  “Dr. Alex Ekwuene is perhaps  one of the most remarkable persons who have served our nation. Despite being probably one of the most thoroughly educated persons anywhere in the world with degrees in disciplines as distinct as architecture, philosophy, sociology and law. 
    “He possess the profound humility that comes from understanding how much more there was to learn and he demonstrated it by his willingness to listen and to learn at all time.
    “As Vice President he set an excellent example with loyalty, discipline, team spirit and fidelity to the nation. 
    “He was fearless and with the courage of his conviction, he led the G-34, a group of eminent Nigerians who confronted military dictatorship in its darkest and most fiercesome days in Nigerian history.
    ‘In public discourse nationally and regionally as an elder in ECOWAS even in the most emotive subject, he spoke truthfully but maintaining a forthful balance ensuring that his words built rather than destroyed.
    “He worked tirelessly to build and maintain the bridges established across ethnic and religious lines. He never once doubted the validity of one indivisible Nigeria.” he added 

    Also speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige disclosed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, offered the late Ekwueme, Senate Presidency, after the later lost the Jos primaries of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ).

    Ngige said he personally advised the late Ekwueme to reject the offer as he was sure that the former Vice President was too rigid to be a Senate President and that he would be impeached within three months.

    He said, “I told Ide (Dr. Ekwueme) that he was too rigid and that he would not be able to do that job.  When the committees come to you and say do this and do that, you will not agree and the next thing they will go and gather signatures and in no time, the will impeach you.

    “Ide was very strict on accountability.  Even when we were campaigning, whenever we returned, he would call you and ask you to give account of how you spent the campaign money.  He will have his paper and pen in his hands.  You know politicians don’t like that.  They don’t like accountability.” he said 

    Ngige also disclosed that the late Vice President, lost the Jos PDP presidential primary ticket because he refused to bribe the delegates.

    He said that Ekwueme failed in bribery and corruption and refused to give false promises, which were the hallmark of typical politicians.

    Stressing that the late former VP was not a religious bigot, as his father was an Anglican pastor, Ngige said that Ekwueme never discriminated against people of other faiths.

    The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, urged Nigerians to learn from late Dr. Ekwueme’s courage, which made him confront late dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha, with the G34 initiative.

    He also urged Nigerians to imbibe Dr. Ekwueme’s patriotic zeal.

    He said “We must first see ourselves as Nigerians, irrespective of our religions and tribes.”

    Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, who was also the former Secretary of the G34 and political ally of the Late Dr. Ekwueme, said that Ekwueme was “a great son of Nigeria, a loving leader, creative designer, first class architect, wise counselor, elder statesman, a great patriot, defender of the people, an advocate of social justice, fairness and equity.”

    He said that Dr. Ekwueme led the G34 which confronted Late Gen. Sani Abacha to stop his self-succession bid, and was at the vanguard of the return to democracy after more than two and half decades of military dictatorship.

    Prof. Gana also revealed that the letter by the G 34 was written by himself and Dr. Iyorchia Ayu but that Dr. Ekwueme, who was the chairman of the group  personally edited and submitted it at the Aso Rock Villa, to ensure it got to Late Gen. Abacha.

    Prof. Jerry Gana described the late Ekwueme as a defender of the people, a political colossus and an advocate of social justice and equity.

    The President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo said he didn’t come to mourn rather to rejoice for the gift of nature from God to Igboland.
    He said, “He was multi disciplinary and distinctive in what he set out to do and loyal in his convictions and believed in his intellectual perception.
    “I haven’t come here to mourn on behalf of the Igbos, I have come here to rejoice that God gave us an exemplary son. 
    “On a night like this what is important is to christenize the distinctive achievements and characteristics of Dr. Alex Ekwueme and I’m the process hope that those of us who are living will derive example from it and create a better society.” 
    He said that Dr. Ekwueme was very loyal to Shehu Shagari.
    He said “Dr. Ekwueme never thought of leaving PDP.  What was important to him was his sense of contribution.  Whether or not he made money from it or not.  Ekwueme was a very humble man.  Chief Nwodo urged Nigerians politicians to emulate.”
    Also speaking, Prof. Uzodimma Nwala who worked closely with the late Vice President said he respected him for his great intellect and not the typical Nigerian politician, adding that he had the carriage.
    He said that Ekwueme came up with the establishment of six geopolitical zones as basis for optical and resources sharing. 
    “We are celebrating a man that had contributed in laying the foundation of unity in Nigeria.

    “The true components of Nigeria is the ethnic nationalities.  We must come back to a loose federation.”

    “Dr. Alex Ekwueme was not a typical Nigerian politician,” and urged Nigerian politicians to take lessons from the departed VP.” he said 

    The former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari represented by his son,  Aminu Shagari said late Ekwueme lived a simple and uncomplicated life and that his father’s choice of Ekwueme as his Vice President was a right choice.
    He said the late former Vice President exhibited tolerance and total loyalty, describing him as patriotic and a statesman.
  • Ekwueme: Fearless, integrity epitome – Osinbajo

    Ekwueme: Fearless, integrity epitome – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday described late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme as fearless and an epitome of integrity.

    He said this in his remarks at the Service of Songs and Night of Tribute in Abuja for the late Second Republic Vice President who died in a London Hospital on November 19, 2017 at 85.

    Osinbajo noted that Ekwueme was the most remarkable person to serve the nation and believed in its indivisibility.

    He said that while alive, the late octogenarian possessed profound humility that came from the understanding of how much there was to learn and demonstrated it by his evident willingness to listen and learn always.

    “As Vice President, he set an excellent example of loyalty, discipline, team spirit and fidelity to the nation.

    Read also: All for Ekwueme

    “He was fearless and with the courage of his convictions, he led the G-34, the group of eminent Nigerians who confronted military dictatorship in its darkest and most fearsome days in Nigeria’s history.

    “He contributed significantly to the return of democracy in 1999,’’ he recalled.

    Osinbajo stated that in national and international discourse, as an elder in ECOWAS even on the most emotive subjects, the deceased spoke truthfully and ensured that his words built rather than destroyed.

    He also said that late Ekwueme worked tirelessly to build and maintain the bridges established across ethnic and religious lines by many through the years.

    “He never for once doubted the validity of one indivisible Nigeria,’’ the vice president said.

    He recalled the late vice president’s incarceration for about 20 months after the Shagari administration was toppled but that he was cleared as having never abused his office.

    Osinbajo said that Ekwueme’s principled and fearless leadership in confronting the military dictatorship of late Gen. Sani Abacha, especially when it chose to succeed itself, was unequalled.

    According to him, the late Ekwueme had principled interventions in many national debates and in all, he epitomised impeccable integrity, courage and selflessness.

    “His values, like himself, remain relevant in every age and time.’’

    Osinbajo said that Ekwueme had remarked that he would like to be remembered as someone who came into public office to render service and rendered it selflessly.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that other dignitaries, including the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo and Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, paid tribute to the late octogenarian.

    Nwodo said he was not mourning Ekwueme, but was rejoicing because God gave Nigeria such a man.

    For Ngige, Ekwueme was a political master who did not disappoint the nation during the 1994/1995 Constitutional conference.

    Former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, represented by his son, Aminu Shagari, in a tribute said he would continue to relish the memorable time he had with his late former Vice President.

    “He lived a simple and uncomplicated life,’’ he said, adding that he nominated to run with him twice because of his high level of discipline and integrity.

    President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Prof. Jerry Ghana, Prof Uzodimma Nwala, and the deceased’s younger brother, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, extolled his virtues.

    A representative of the Ekwueme’s Community, Oko, Anambra, Mr Handel Okoli, thanked the Federal Government for putting all structures in place for the burial of their son.

    He, however, requested that the late former vice president’s name should be immortalised for his vision of nationalism and patriotism to be exemplified.

    NAN

  • Insurgency: ECOWAS Parliament, UNHCR tour affected Adamawa communities

    Insurgency: ECOWAS Parliament, UNHCR tour affected Adamawa communities

    Some members of ECOWAS Parliament and United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have commenced tour of some communities affected by insurgency and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Adamawa.

    Welcoming the group in Gulak, headquarters of Madagali local government area of the state, the Vice Chairman of the LGA, Mr. Thomas Feaku, said the area was under siege since December.

    He said: “As from December 23, the area recorded Boko Haram attack almost on daily basis; the latest was the attack at kaya village on Friday where five people died.

    “People in many villages in the interior are leaving due to fear of attacks. We want government to deploy more troops to this area.”

    The District Head of Gulak, Alhaji Bello Tsimda, said the security challenge in Madagali was serious that many Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and agencies rendering support to returnees were avoiding the area.

    Tsimda said many returnees could not find business to do as farmers could not go to farm and markets in the area could not operate due to fear of attack.

    Officials of ECOWAS Parliament and UNHCR, Mrs. Asabe Bashir and Mr. Mohammed Tejan, said they were in Madagali on a joint mission to hear from returnees in insurgency affected areas in Nigeria and other affected countries like Niger and Mali for support.

    NAN

  • Buhari, Gambian President meet in Aso Rock

    Buhari, Gambian President meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed-doors with the Gambian President, Adama Barrow at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Gambian President after the meeting told State House correspondents that he was in Abuja to thank Nigeria for the support given to his country during and after the impasse.

    He said “My visit is very important to us. We have always wanted to say thank you when Nigeria gave us all the support during and after the impasse. Nigeria has been supporting

    “The Gambia for a long time in different areas like technical assistance in the area of education, judiciary. We are really happy to come.

    “When we met in Mali, he (Buhari) took a decision as a leader in a closed door meeting, he made one statement that changed everything, that if The Gambian President wants to challenge the subregion, he is welcome.

    “This was his words and that make a big difference as a leader. And that leadership role was very important not just for The Gambia but for Africa because the problem was an Africa problem with an Africa solution.

    “So we are very grateful and that was why we wanted to come and say thank you. There is a saying in my country that if you want to thank a farmer for a good job, you have to visit him at his farm and that is why we are here.” he said

    Asked what was the deal he struck with the former president that led to the smooth transition, he said “Basically, the deal was ECOWAS was involved, UNDP and the international community was involved to mediate and this mediation, Nigeria was involved and Liberia as the chair was involved, the Guinean President and the Mauritanian President were also involved. the Guinean President and the Mauritanian President were physically on the ground, for him to accept the will of the people, exit to allow us assume office.

    “This was the deal, he accepted to go on exile which we couldn’t guarantee his security. This was the deal.” he said

    On what role Nigeria will continue to play to help The Gambia overcome its challenges including security, President Buhari said “Well, your President has virtually answered the question. We did our best in the most critical time, hopefully now the president will raise his team and we will raise a corresponding team and we will seat together and see how we can draw a political programme that will complements each other’s effort on development. So this is the next time we are going.”

  • Liberia’s NEC presents certificate of return to Weah

    Liberia’s NEC presents certificate of return to Weah

    Liberia ’s National Elections Commission ( NEC ) has presented certificate of return to the President-elect, George Weah; Vice President-elect, Jewel Howard-Taylor, and the newly elected members of the House of Representatives.

    Chairman of NEC, Mr Jerome Korkoya, performed the ceremony at the commission’s headquarters in Monrovia on Thursday evening.

    According to local media, 66 out of the 73 elected lawmakers were certificated, leaving out seven who are facing legal challenges over their election in the October 10 general polls.

    The new leaders will be sworn in on January 22, which is the third working Monday of January as stipulated in the Liberian Constitution.

    Speaking at the occasion, the NEC boss reminded the newly elected public officers of the huge responsibility that comes with the mantle of leadership entrusted to them.

    “The certificate we are presenting to you represents conferral of legitimacy to pronounce you to the world as the duly elected officials.

    “”It is also an embodiment of the power, trust and aspiration reposed in you by your various constituents and the people of Liberia as a whole.

    “Expectations are high to change the people’s living conditions through the laws, policies and programmes of the incoming government.

    He acknowledged the contributions of international partners including ECOWAS, AU, USAID, EU and UNDP, which led to the successful conduct of the elections.

    Korkoya expressed appreciation to all contestants in the elections for respecting the rule of law by exploring judicial means to seek redress after the elections.

    The president-elect, George Weah, described his election as a unifying factor in the country.

    Weah pledged to fulfil his campaign promised of improving the lives of Liberians, calling on members of the legislature to put aside politics and work in the interest of the country.

    “I went to Boakai (outgoing Vice President) not to make news but because campaign is over and it is time to do the Liberian people’s work.

    “Our quest is for all Liberians to work together to move our country forward; in the interest of the people let’s work,” he said.

    The president-elect reiterated his assurance of greater freedoms, saying he would not interfere with the tenants of democracy, especially political dissent.

    “I am your friend but my interest is the Liberian people.

    “Any attempt to promote clampdown on the political rights of fewer Liberians has the propensity of disuniting the country,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the elected lawmakers, the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hans Barchue, promised to work with the CDC-led government.

    Also Read: ‘Change is on,’ says George Weah

    In separate remarks, members of the international community present at the occasion restated their commitment to support the incoming administration.

    The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Farid Zarif, lauded Liberians for their peaceful participation in the electoral process.

    Zarif called on the new administration to build on the gains made under the leadership of outgoing President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

    He urged the new government to properly manage the country’s abundant natural resources to improve the lives of Liberians.

    “Let me quote you Mr. President-elect that it doesn’t make sense that Liberia is so rich, yet its people are so poor.

    “That is the beginning of another vision. Let’s bring the two things together,” he said.

    NAN