VP Koung Accused of Divisive Tribal Politics Ahead of Nimba By-Election
Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung is accused of reviving divisive tribal politics in Nimba County as he urges the Mah tribe to vote for Representative Samuel Kogar, a Gio-speaking candidate, in the upcoming Senatorial by-election. Koung insists that unity and balance in political representation are crucial, emphasizing that not voting for Kogar would be a waste of votes. The by-election is set for April 22, 2025, prompted by the recent death of Senator Prince Johnson.
Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has been accused of fostering divisive tribal politics in Nimba County. As the Nimba Senatorial by-election approaches, he has urged the Mah-speaking people and other tribes to vote for Representative Samuel Kogar, a candidate from the Gio-speaking community, claiming that choosing otherwise would constitute a waste of their votes.
This accusation stems from VP Koung’s appeal to the Mah tribe to refrain from contesting the senatorial seat, arguing that such actions disrupt the county’s balance. He expressed sentiments regarding the need for peace and stability, emphasizing that it is unfair for one tribe to occupy both senatorial seats in Nimba County, which he has referred to as essential for maintaining unity.
In support of his stance, he stated, “It was not fair for one tribe to occupy the two seats. I appeal to the Mah people… Let’s keep the balance to make the county stable.” This assertion aligns with the legacy of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, a prominent figure in Nimba County politics, who belonged to the Gio tribe.
Vice President Koung has endorsed Representative Samuel Kogar for the senatorial seat, declaring him as the appropriate candidate who will effectively represent Nimba County. He stressed that if voters choose candidates other than Kogar, they would be squandering their votes.
The National Elections Commission has set April 22, 2025, for the Nimba County Senatorial by-election. The election follows the death of the former Senator Prince Y. Johnson and includes nineteen candidates vying for the position. Representative Kogar, currently serving in the House of Representatives, will vacate his seat if elected, necessitating another by-election for District 5.
Koung’s fervent recommendation for Kogar highlights the political dynamics in Nimba County. He strongly believes that Kogar’s election would ensure that the voice of Nimba is well represented at the national level, emphasizing the potential for providing a balanced leadership in the county.
In summary, Vice President Koung’s comments on the Nimba by-election have sparked accusations of encouraging divisive tribal politics by urging specific voting choices among tribes. His insistence on ensuring that political representation reflects the Gio-speaking community raises significant questions regarding fairness and representation in electoral practices in Liberia. Ultimately, as the by-election approaches, the political climate in Nimba County remains charged with the implications of these tribal dynamics.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
