Vice President Jeremiah Koung shared an awkward encounter with former President George Weah during a visit to honor the late Senator Johnson. Koung was surprised when Weah refused to shake his hand, raising questions about underlying political tensions from the recent presidential election. Koung implied that Weah’s reaction may stem from hurt feelings regarding his support for the opposing party, indicating ongoing political discord.
Vice President Jeremiah Koung recently recounted a tense encounter with former President George Weah during a visit to the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson’s home in Gbarnga, Liberia. The incident occurred shortly after Senator Johnson’s passing, and Koung described feeling surprised upon Weah’s refusal to shake his hand upon arrival.
During an interview on the Closing Argument Platform, Vice President Koung shared that he had arrived early to convey condolences to the Johnson family. Following this, he was joined by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who informed him of her visit. The situation escalated when Koung extended a hand to welcome Weah, only to be snubbed.
Koung mentioned that at first, he thought Weah’s refusal was due to health concerns; however, he noted that Weah subsequently shook hands with other attendees. This led Koung to conclude that personal tensions might be influencing the interaction, possibly related to Koung’s role as running mate to Unity Party candidate Joseph Boakai in the recent presidential election.
Expressing his thoughts, Koung remarked that Weah’s lingering hurt from the election results was evident and stated, “If you’re hurt because of my support to the Unity Party, then you have five years to be hurt because I’m now the Vice President.” He encouraged Weah to accept this reality until the next election cycle in 2029, emphasizing his own aspirations to achieve the vice presidency.
In conclusion, Vice President Jeremiah Koung’s experience at Senator Johnson’s home highlights the ongoing political tensions in Liberia, particularly following the 2023 presidential election. Despite his cordial intentions, Koung faced a snub from former President Weah, suggesting unresolved feelings regarding electoral support remain a friction point. Koung’s reflections stress the need for acceptance of these political dynamics moving forward.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
