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Liberian refugees tip Weah for presidency
Femi Makinde
Liberian refugees at Oru Camp, Ogun State, have tipped the former World Footballer of the Year, Mr. George Weah, to win the country’s presidential election billed for October 11.
Most of those who spoke with our correspondent preferred Weah to other presidential candidates.
Despite being away from home for so long, the refugees have been monitoring political activities in their country.
Weah has no political experience and is mocked by his rivals as naive and minimally educated. But his supporters are not deterred by this.
Mrs. Evoh Gbeh, a 32- year-old widow whose husband was killed by the rebels, said, “ I wan make George Weah win. I like am because he is a youth. We don tire for book people, they use their book to cheat us. Na George Weah I like.”
Another refugee, 24 year-old Peter, also expressed support for Weah.
Weah, the presidential candidate for the Congress for Democratic Change, is popular among the youth and is believed to have strong support in Liberia.
He promises to build infrastructure and restore peace to the country. Experts believe that the ex-soccer star is favoured to win.
Prince, a 12-year-old boy, is one of Weah’s supporters at the refugee camp. Others include Mr. Steve Johnson and Miss. Patricia Richard
But a 65-year-old graduate of chemistry at the camp, Pa Amos Okpakor, and Anthony Kyne, 24, were disillusioned about Liberian politics.
Weah is considered by many to be the favourite in the election. His popularity is an indication of people’s widespread dissatisfaction with Liberian politicians.
He announced his candidacy in November 2004 and received a heroic welcome when he arrived in Monrovia.
On August 13, the election commission published a list of 22 presidential candidates who were cleared to run. Weah was cleared to contest despite complaints that he had adopted French citizenship.
The PUNCH, Friday, October 7, 2005
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