MDR Condemns Former President Weah’s Behavior at Senator Prince Johnson Residence

The Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) and the Public Affairs Committee for the late Governing Council Chair, Senator Prince Y. Johnson’s funeral, have expressed strong disappointment over the recent actions of former President George M. Weah during his visit to the late Senator’s residence in Paynesville.  

In a press statement released today, the committee criticized former President Weah for refusing to shake hands with the current Vice President when she extended a greeting to welcome him to the residence. The MDR noted that Mr. Weah also avoided shaking hands with two prominent leaders of Nimba County present at the event.  

“Both traditionally and conventionally, extending a handshake is our way of saying welcome and expressing gratitude to visitors, well-wishers, and sympathizers,” the statement read.  

The MDR described Mr. Weah’s actions as a “gross disrespect” not only to the leaders of Nimba County but also to the entire Nimba community. The statement emphasized that such conduct during a period of mourning is unacceptable and reflects poorly on the former president.  

“If, for the worst-case scenario, President Weah has any political malice against the people of Nimba, he should not be portraying such extreme anger against our leaders during these times of bereavement,” the MDR asserted.  

The statement further highlighted the late Senator Prince Johnson’s significance as a “towering figure not only in Nimba but in Liberia at large.” The committee expressed hope that his passing would serve as a unifying force rather than cause further division.  

“We strongly condemn such attitude coming from the former president towards two of her prominent sons and leaders,” the statement concluded.  

The release was signed by Kelvin D. J. Mattaldi, National Vice Chair for Public Affairs of the MDR and Chair of the Public Affairs Committee for the funeral.