By Christian Appleton
Pleebo, Maryland County – A firestorm of controversy has engulfed Maryland County as Hon. Aloysius Williams, the Statutory Superintendent of Pleebo Sodoken District, vehemently denies making divisive comments regarding the distribution of County Development Funds (CDF). These alleged remarks have ignited widespread outrage and intensified demands for his immediate removal, further complicated by an unresolved leadership dispute.
The controversy originated from a CDF explanation session held at Pleebo City Hall on Thursday, May 15th. During the meeting, Superintendent Williams was reportedly quoted asserting that Barrobo Statutory District, situated in the forested region of the county, should not receive equal benefits from the CDF compared to Pleebo and Harper Districts.
“What’s unfortunate,” Williams allegedly stated, “is that Barrobo, located deep in the forests, is being prioritized over Pleebo. Do you want to compare Barrobo to Pleebo in terms of benefits?”
These purported statements drew swift and strong condemnation from community leaders and civil society figures, including Maryland County Youth President Melvin Weah and District #2 Commissioner Habakkuk Williams, both of whom have publicly demanded a formal explanation from the Superintendent.
Appearing on a local radio talk show on Monday, May 19th, Superintendent Williams categorically denied uttering the controversial remarks, even when directly confronted by a Barrobo resident who called into the program. “I have never made such a statement,” Williams insisted.
However, his denial has done little to assuage public discontent. Community members and local leaders have expressed escalating mistrust, casting doubt on both his credibility and his legitimacy to continue in the role.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is an ongoing leadership vacuum. While President Joseph Boakai has nominated Mr. Prince Tarwen as the new Statutory Superintendent of Pleebo, his confirmation has stalled. Consequently, Williams, who was appointed under the previous administration of President George Weah, continues to serve in an acting capacity, thereby exacerbating governance concerns within the district.
On May 11th, the Unity Party’s Maryland County Youth Congress released a press statement urging President Boakai to swiftly resolve the leadership deadlock. The group issued a 42-hour ultimatum for Williams’ removal, a deadline that has since passed without an official response from the Executive Mansion.
Further highlighting the bureaucratic quagmire, the Office of the County Superintendent issued a statement clarifying that Pleebo’s exclusion from receiving crucial development supplies—such as computers, motorbikes, and stationery—was a direct consequence of the district’s current lack of a legally confirmed statutory superintendent.
As frustrations mount, a growing number of citizens are appealing to national authorities to intervene and address both the leadership vacuum and the lingering fallout from the alleged divisive comments. Observers suggest that the unfolding situation underscores deeper challenges related to governance, fairness, and the critical need for equitable development across Maryland County.