Wednesday, June 19, 2013 11:47

Ngafuan Bombarded Over Presidency

Story by Alva M. Wolokolie
Photo Credit:

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Augustine K. Ngafuan who appeared at an intellectual forum encountered numerous claims that he is eyeing the presidency of the country at the next elections. Addressing a group of young people on Tuesday, August 14,2012, under the banner “ Friends of Friends Hatai Association (FOFHA)”, Minister Ngafuan could neither deny nor confirm persistent rumors and media reports that he and some top government officials are seeking to replace President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the end of her second term in 2017.
 
As he was being bombarded by the participants' mostly young people, he said, “I leave everything to God. Where do I go from here is by the grace of God”.
 
Still being asked, as to ambition to contesting the presidency in 2017, the youthful minister could not state affirmatively on the issue as he was very evasive and maintained that he dedicates everything to God.
 
Minister Ngafuan acknowledged that people would always speculate about their leaders but if he were asked similar question ten years ago, his answer would have been still be, “It is by the grace of God”.
 
Minister Ngafuan, also Dean of the Cabinet cautioned Liberians not to abuse their opportunities when called to serve but to serve with honesty. He described his position in Government as a God-given opportunity and not a brilliant reward as people may imagine.
 
Commenting on job experience of young people before taking posts in government, the former students' leader pointed out that sometimes a young man with zero experience is better than a man who comes with 50 years of negative experience.
 
But the Foreign Minister later advised the present generation to be fair to the generation of the future. He believes that if for any reason a youthful Minister should make error, that error should be an honest mistake that would elevate Liberians and not to drop them by the way side.
 
Minister Ngafuan however decided to contribute US$500.00 toward the growth and development of the Hatai Association.