George Weah the football legend sworn in as the 24th Liberian president

George Weah (right) with Vice-President Jewel Taylor during the former football star’s swearing-in in Monrovia…on Monday. Photo: AFP

Festus Abu

African football  legends  were among the world  personalities who witnessed George Weah’s historic  inauguration  as Liberia’s 25th president in  Monrovia on Monday.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Austin Okocha,  Sunday Oliseh,  Samuel Eto’o  and Didier Drogba  were inside the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium to honour  the continent’s most decorated footballer.  Former Zambia’s Chipolopolo  captain Kalusha Bwalya was also on the occasion.

The 51-year-old 1995 European, African and World Player of the Year  took over from Africa’s first elected female president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

 CAF president  Ahmad Ahmad led the African football governing body’s delegation while  FIFA General-Secretary Fatma Samoura  led the world body’s delegation to  the ceremony.

African presidents including Mali’s Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana attended the swearing-in while Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event.

According to The Guardian, Liberians queued for miles to see the inauguration, celebrating their country’s first peaceful, democratic transition of power in 47 years by dancing as they waited.

Expectations are sky-high for Weah, who grew up kicking a ball about his poor suburb of Monrovia and became an international star through a distinguished  career at  Monaco,  AC Milan, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

“I have spent many years of my life in stadiums but today is a feeling like no other,” Weah, dressed in white and mopping his forehead with a handkerchief, told an ecstatic crowd at the  stadium.

“I have taken an oath before you and before almighty God. Rest assured I will not let you down.”

He  promised to do “my fair share to meet your expectations’’, but urged the people to meet his desire by rising up to defend their freedom, justice and the change they voted for.

The football legend commended  the international community for supporting his country

Newly sworn in president of Liberia, George Weah rendering his first official speech as president.

A flash back of his football actions during his days in PSG. From sports hero to political hero. What a wonderful world.