By Etse Kassim, Abuja
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Austin Jay Jay Okocha, former captain of the Super Eagle on Monday morning arrived in Monrovia to witness the inauguration of George Weah as the new president of Liberia.
The inauguration, which took place at the Samuel Doe Stadium, located in the former war-torn capital of Monrovia, also has the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki and Senator Philip Aduda in attendance.
Obasanjo, who over the weekend received a PhD certificate in Christian Theology from the National Open University of Nigeria, touched down at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) at 8:01 a.m. (9 a.m. Nigerian time) while Saraki arrived at 9:02 a.m.
Speaking to newsmen after being received by officials of Nigeria’s embassy in Monrovia, Obasanjo said he was a 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.
His words: “I am very happy over what is happening in Liberia today and I congratulate my brothers and sisters in this great country.”
The inauguration of Weah, who was a former World Footballer of the Year, attracted dignitaries from the whole African continent with several head of states in attendance.
The football legend, who defeated outgoing Vice President, Joseph Boakai during a hotly contested presidential runoff election few weeks ago is taking over power from Mrs Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.