Nimba County prepares for a senatorial by-election on April 22, 2025, following the death of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson. Key candidates include Representative Samuel Kogar, supported by Vice President Koung, and Madam Edith Gongloe Wehyee, the only female candidate. The race highlights debates about representation and inclusion of diverse ethnic groups and genders.
Nimba County is preparing for a significant senatorial by-election on April 22, 2025, to fill the vacancy left by the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson. Johnson, often referred to as the “godfather” of Nimba politics, passed away last year, having served two nine-year terms since 2005. The discourse among residents intensifies as they deliberate on the replacement for Johnson’s nine-year term.
A recent survey by A NEW DAWN indicates that six out of the nine Representatives from Nimba County, alongside Senator Nya D. Twayen, Jr., are backing Representative Samuel Kogar’s senatorial bid. In contrast, only two out of eleven caucus members are supporting other candidates: Representative Taa Wongbay, who supports Madam Edith Gongloe Wehyee, the only woman in the race, and Representative Musa Hassan Bility, who endorses former county inspector Mack Gbliwon due to his association with the newly formed Citizens Movement for Change (CMC).
The six candidates, including Kogar, who is obtaining endorsements from notable figures such as Vice President Jeremiah Koung, are making the race highly competitive. Other prominent candidates include Former Superintendent Edith Gongloe-Wehyee, Cllr. Garrison Yealu, and B. Mack Gbliwon, each gaining significant support from various segments of Nimbaians.
Vice President Koung’s endorsement of Kogar is particularly influential, appealing to voters to consider him as the best replacement for Senator Johnson. However, critics argue that electing Kogar would necessitate another by-election, potentially stressing the national budget. Koung asserts that because both he and Senator Johnson are from the Gio tribe, it would honor the late senator’s legacy to elect Kogar.
Opposing views emerge from figures such as former Presidential candidate Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, who emphasizes the importance of balanced representation. He advocates for a seat held by the opposition, thereby including diverse ethnic groups such as the Krahn, Mandingo, Kpelleh, and Bassa in the political dialogue of Nimba. Cllr. Gongloe further stresses the significance of female representation, urging voters to support Madam Edith Gongloe Wehyee, highlighting her previous admirable service as Superintendent and her extensive experience in senatorial elections.
This marks Kogar’s second attempt for the senate seat, while Madam Edith Gongloe Wehyee aspires for her fourth candidacy, highlighting the ongoing political dynamics in Nimba County as the election approaches.
Editing by Jonathan Browne
In summary, Nimba County’s upcoming senatorial by-election to replace the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson has sparked significant discussion regarding the candidates. Representative Samuel Kogar is a frontrunner with strong endorsements, particularly from Vice President Koung. Conversely, advocates for diversity and representation, including Cllr. Gongloe, argue for the inclusion of opposition voices and female representation within the Senate. As the election date nears, the political landscape continues to evolve with various candidates showcasing their qualifications and visions for the future.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
