The ANALYST

Tuesday, April 4, 2006

  Pres. Sirleaf Praises Nigeria

  The President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has paid homage to Nigeria for the sacrifices it made in both lives and resources during Liberia’s fourteen years conflict. Madam Sirleaf observed that “no other country has done more for the peace Liberia enjoys today” adding, “A friend in need is a friend indeed, and that is what Nigeria has been to Liberia.”

The Liberian leader was speaking Thursday at the Executive Mansion during the honoring and certification of fourteen departing Nigerian Presidential security officers who have been serving in the President and Vice President’s security details since the inauguration of the Unity Party-led government.

President Johnson-Sirleaf who presented certificates to the honorees, thanked them on behalf of the Liberian people for the sacrificial services they rendered the nation. The Liberian leader extended an open invitation to any member of the group wishing to come and settle in Liberia saying, “For each and every one of you, Liberia will be your second home”.

Making remarks earlier, Vice President Boakai observed that the Nigerian security officers came at a time they were needed most, and served professionally throughout their stay in the country.

“They worked diligently and never complained,” Ambassador Boakai added. Vice President Boakai recalled the vanguard role Nigeria played in the erstwhile ECOWAS Peace Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and the ECOWAS Vanguard Force which paved the way for the deployment of UNMIL in Liberia in 2003.

He conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo for the concern he continues to demonstrate for the welfare of Liberians.

The visiting legendary Nigerian musician turned evangelist, Sunny Okonsuns and Liberia’s Music Ambassador, Marrion Cassell, thrilled the audience which included Nigeria’s Ambassador to Liberia Eineje E. Onubu, Defense Minister Brownie Samukai, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Morris Momolu Dukuly, and the Chief of Staff in the office of the Vice President, Sam Stevquoah, among other dignitaries.

Evangelist Okonsuns, who is on a musical tour of Liberia, later presented a Holy Bible and two of his musical albums to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. The Nigerian security officers left the country on Friday.