On February 27, 2024,a glossy Tuesday afternoon, former Liberian President George M. Weah, his wife Clar Marie Weah and retinue returned to Liberia after a month-long outing to Europe.
Upon the ex-president’s arrival at the Roberts International Airport, he was reportedly denied usage of the VIP lounge.
The VIP Lounge at the Roberts International Airport is designed to provide a high level of comfort and privacy for dignitaries, government officials, and other VIP guests traveling through the airport.
The action by the government to have denied the immediate former President, his wife and entourage access to the VIP lounge is counter-productive to our democracy.
With due respect, all former Presidents are considered VIPs; must be accorded due courtesy and must be provided the opportunity to enjoy their rights, privileges and immunities of serving the state.
Entry to VIP Lounge everywhere is normally restricted to individuals holding special invitations or with distinct immunities such as a former head of state.
The situation at the RIA wasn’t only an embarrassment to ex-president Weah but an embarrassment to Liberia as a country.
The justification provided by President Boakai’s Press Secretary Kula Fofana on a local radio station that the VIP Lounge at the Roberts International Airport is reserved exclusively for the sitting President, emphasizing that no other individual will be permitted to use this privileged facility is a deception to the code.
In Liberia like other countries, It’s a normal routine for former ministers, Ambassadors, and other high-profile officials authorized to access these facilities. However, that doesn’t mean standards or amenities have been reduced.
Most airport VIP lounges are exclusively reserved due to their nature of quiet oases of relaxation and modest luxury, graciously removed from the clutter and chaos of the typical airport terminal.
The lounge was built by ex-President Weah and dedicated in December few weeks before leaving office.
Thou the former President is a very important personality, he was denied usage of the VIP lounge and was made to use the old terminal.
From all indications, ex-President Weah is not happy with the occurrence and this could harbor political tension between the two leaders.
If this is a new policy instituted by the government of the day, then, it lacks fairness and equality and must be revisited.
Weah is a VIP and must be accorded due honor by the regime.
