By Amos Harris
Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono has downplayed perceptions of growing political tensions among the county’s leaders, emphasizing that differing political interests should not be interpreted as deep personal or political divisions.
Superintendent Gono’s comments come amid perceived rivalries involving Nimba County Senator Samuel Kogar, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, and other influential local political actors.
The public debate recently intensified following allegations that lawmakers received $10,000 USD each as an alleged bribe offered by the superintendent. Gono firmly rejected the claim, describing it as misleading and inaccurate. She clarified that the funds were legally approved by the County Council for constituency engagement and disbursed through official cheques issued by the Central Bank of Liberia.
Speaking Tuesday on OK FM in Monrovia, Gono noted that Nimba’s political leaders have historically put aside their differences whenever the collective interests of the county are at stake.
“As a people, when Nimba has to stand, we stand together,” she said, emphasizing that political disagreements are often far less severe than supporters perceive them to be.
The superintendent explained that her ongoing interactions with various stakeholders demonstrate that leaders can publicly pursue different political goals while maintaining cordial relationships in private.
Addressing her relationship with Senator Samuel Kogar directly, Gono shared that they continue to maintain a strong personal connection despite their differing political positions. She pointed to private phone calls, attending each other’s birthday celebrations, and ongoing discussions about county unity as proof that political friction does not equal personal hostility.
Gono mentioned that she occasionally listens to Senator Kogar’s radio commentary and calls him afterward to joke about his statements—interactions that remain unknown to their respective supporters.
“At the end of the day, sometimes the followers do not know what happens behind the scenes,” she said, adding that public political rhetoric does not always reflect the true nature of leadership relationships. “Politically, people may sound a certain way publicly, but it is not necessarily as deep as they see it.”
Consequently, Superintendent Gono urged political supporters—particularly young people—to avoid attacking others over political alignments or destroying reputations online to defend their preferred leaders. She warned that political circumstances change quickly, and former opponents often find themselves working together later on.
She specifically advised the youth to prioritize their education and personal development over online political disputes. “Focus on your education. Politics is a good thing, but steady yourself,” she urged.
Calling for greater maturity and responsible leadership across the county, Madam Gono stressed that competing ambitions must never undermine peace or local development. She maintained that Nimba’s collective progress must take precedence over individual political goals, noting that sustained peace and cooperation remain essential to ensuring citizens benefit from the county’s resources.