Vice President Jeremiah Koung has been criticized for promoting divisive tribal politics ahead of the Nimba Senatorial by-election. He appeals to the Mah tribe and others to vote for Representative Samuel Kogar from the Gio tribe, warning that votes for other candidates would be wasted. This stance reflects the ongoing tribal affiliations that influence political dynamics in Nimba County, particularly following the death of the late Senator Prince Yorma Johnson.
As the Nimba Senatorial by-election approaches, Liberia’s Vice President, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, has been accused of reigniting divisive tribal politics previously championed by the late Senator Prince Yorma Johnson. He has urged the Mah-speaking population, alongside other tribes, to support the senatorial candidate, Representative Samuel Kogar, from the Gio-speaking community, warning that votes for other candidates may be wasted in this pivotal electoral event.
In a recent statement, Vice President Koung has emphasized the necessity of maintaining a balance between the tribal groups within Nimba County. He contended that it is unjust for a single tribe to hold both senatorial seats. During a telephone interview, he appealed to the Mah tribe, urging them to cede the election to the Gio-speaking community to foster stability in the county: “I am appealing to the Mah people of Nimba County and all others to allow the Dan people to take part in this election. Let’s keep the balance to make the county stable.”
The late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, known as a significant figure in Nimba politics and a Gio tribe member, is at the center of this debate, as his legacy continues to shape local politics. Vice President Koung’s stance reflects a broader community belief that the vacant senatorial seat should remain within the Gio tribe, reinforcing their claim on what they consider their political entitlement.
Senatorial aspirant Samuel Kogar, a current Representative for Nimba County district 5, is associated with the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), a party previously led by the late Johnson. The National Elections Commission has scheduled April 22, 2025, for this by-election, which will see nineteen candidates contesting subsequent to Johnson’s demise.
Vice President Koung officially endorsed Kogar’s candidacy, stating, “I endorse the senatorial bid of Samuel Kogar, and I am calling on everyone to choose and vote Samuel Kongar.” He further warned that votes directed towards alternative candidates would be “wasting your vote,” reinforcing Kogar’s position as a bold leader. Koung’s appeals underscore a strategic push for a unified voting bloc among the Gio people to secure their preferred candidate’s election, while also cautioning the Mah people on the implications of their electoral choices.
In conclusion, Vice President Jeremiah Koung’s appeal for a unified vote among tribal groups in Nimba County highlights the ongoing issues of tribal affiliation in Luxembourgian politics. By urging the Mah-speaking people to support Representative Samuel Kogar, he seeks to solidify the Gio tribe’s political influence following the late Senator Johnson’s legacy. As the by-election date approaches, the dynamics of tribal politics will significantly shape the voting landscape in Nimba County.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
