Kayode Ajulo (SAN), a constitutional lawyer, has commended the outcome of the Liberian presidential election, describing it as a salute to Africa’s progress.

Mr Ajulo, who is also the chairman of the incorporated trustees of the Egalitarian Mission for Africa (EMA), said this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

He said, “In a world where political contests often sow seeds of bitterness and division, George Weah has emerged as a shining example of statesmanship, humility, and reverence for the democratic process.”

He said Mr Weah’s momentous concession speech was not merely a personal triumph; it was a defining moment for Liberia, for Africa, and for democracy itself.

He said that through his actions, Mr Weah had demonstrated that democracy could thrive and prosper in Africa, dispelling the notion that it was incompatible with our values and aspirations.

Mr Ajulo noted that Mr Weah was not the first African leader to exhibit such grace and humility in the face of defeat; former president Goodluck Jonathan equally exhibited the same in 2015 in Nigeria.

He said Mr Jonathan accepted the people’s verdict and conceded defeat to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to him, these acts of statesmanship by leaders like Messrs Weah and Jonathan serve as testaments to the fortitude and resilience of democracy on our continent.

“It is imperative that we recognise the urgent need to fortify and nurture democracy in Africa. Democracy is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all.

“It is a powerful force that empowers citizens to shape their destinies, voice their concerns, and hold their leaders accountable.

“Through democracy, we can ensure transparent governance, safeguard human rights, and foster inclusive development,” he said.

Mr Ajulo said that to strengthen democracy in Africa, there was a need to focus on three crucial pillars: participation, accountability, and inclusivity.

He said, “We must empower our citizens, particularly the youth, by providing them with education, knowledge, and skills that enable active engagement in the democratic process.”

The legal practitioner urged Africans to work tirelessly to strengthen and nurture democracy in Africa, adding that it remained a beacon of hope, progress, and prosperity for generations to come.

(NAN)