Nimba Supt. Gono ‘Downplays’ Political Tensions

Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono, has downplayed perceptions of growing political tensions among the county’s leaders. Madam Gono said differences in political interests should not be interpreted as deep personal, or political divisions.

He comments come amid perceived political rivalries involving the county Senator, Samuel Gongben Kogar, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, and other influential political actors.

The political debate has recently intensified following allegations that lawmakers received US$10,000 each as a bribe, but Madam Gono had denied the allegation, which she described as “misleading, and inaccurate.”

Madam Gono: “County Council approved the funds in question for “constituency engagement, and were disbursed through cheques the Central Bank of Liberia issued.”

While speaking on Tuesday at OK FM in Monrovia, Madam Gono said, Nimba’s political leaders have historically been able to put aside their differences when the collective interests of the county are at stake.

“As a people, when Nimba has to stand, we stand together.”

She emphasized the need for political disagreements, which “are often less serious than they appear to political supporters.”

Madam Gono said, her interactions with various political stakeholders demonstrate that leaders can publicly pursue different political interests while maintaining cordial relationships privately.

She urged political supporters, particularly young people, to avoid attacking individuals simply, “because of their perceived political affiliations, or alignments.”

Madam Gono specifically encouraged young people to prioritize education, and personal development rather than becoming overly consumed by political disputes, particularly those taking place on social media.

“Focus on your education. Politics is a good thing, but steady yourself.”

On her relationship with Kogar, Madam Gono said, the two continue to maintain a good personal relationship despite their different political interests, and public positions.

She pointed to private conversations, participation in each other’s birthday celebrations, and discussions about promoting unity in Nimba as evidence that political differences should not automatically be interpreted as personal hostility.

Madam Gono said, she sometimes listens to Kogar’s comments on radio programs, and later, calls him to joke about what he has said. She noted that such interactions are rarely known to politicians’ supporters.

“At the end of the day, sometimes, the followers do not know what happens behind the scenes.”

Madam Gono added that political statements made publicly may not necessarily reflect the true nature of relationships among political leaders.

“Politically, people may sound a certain way publicly, but it is not necessarily as deep as they see it.”

Madam Gono also cautioned political supporters against destroying the reputations of others in the name of defending their preferred leaders.

She warned that political circumstances can change, and former opponents may eventually find themselves working together.

She meanwhile called for greater political maturity, and responsible leadership among Nimba’s political actors.

“Competing ambitions should not undermine peace, unity, and development.”

Madam Gono maintained how Nimba’s collective interests should remain above individual political ambitions, urging leaders, and their supporters to focus on issues that improve the lives of citizens.

She said, sustained peace, and cooperation among the county’s political stakeholders are essential to advance development, and ensure that Nimbaians benefit from the opportunities, and resources available to the county.