By Amos Harris
Sanniquellie, Nimba County – Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono has sharply rejected allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement levied against her by Senator Samuel G. Kogar, describing the claims as false, politically driven, and intended to mislead the public.
Senator Kogar recently accused Superintendent Gono of misapplying portions of the county’s Social Development Funds (SDF) on projects he contends are the responsibility of the national government. The Senator specifically cited expenditures such as the renovation of superintendent and commissioner residences, district offices, and airport facilities.
Kogar asserts that these administrative upgrades, while appearing beneficial, allegedly violate the Local Government Act of 2018 (LGA) and fail to address the county’s urgent development needs. He maintains that SDF resources, generated through concession agreements and local revenue, must be prioritized for community-based projects.
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Superintendent Gono dismissed the Senator’s accusations as “baseless and politically motivated.”
“Every project implemented under my administration is in full compliance with the Local Government Act, the PPCC guidelines, and the Public Financial Management Law,” she stated emphatically. “There is no mismanagement, only development.”
Gono further revealed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has already completed an audit of Nimba County’s financial operations, noting that the findings will soon be made public. She described the audit as a demonstration of her administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The dispute highlights growing internal political divisions within Nimba County, one of Liberia’s most politically influential regions. The rift widely centers around Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Superintendent Gono, and several local officials on one side, with Senator Kogar positioned on the opposing front.
Political observers suggest the tension has intensified amid speculation that the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) is considering Senator Kogar as a potential running mate in the 2029 presidential race. Analysts believe this possibility may be driving the Senator’s increasingly confrontational posture toward local administration.
Pundits warn that the deepening feud risks eroding the unity long associated with the county under the leadership of the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson, who for years maintained significant political cohesion among Nimba’s power blocs.
Several Nimba citizens, both within and outside the county, have publicly criticized Senator Kogar, accusing him of deliberately undermining local officials for personal and political ambition. They argue that the escalating conflict is distracting from urgent development matters.
“We are calling on the Senator to stop what he is doing,” one resident told local media. “This is not the kind of legislative politics Nimba needs. Our leaders should focus on the well-being and development of the county.”
Despite the political dispute, Nimba County has commenced preparations for the 2025 festive season. Christmas trees are being erected and major cleanup exercises are underway in Ganta, Sacleapea, Bahn, Tappita, and other key towns as part of efforts to beautify the county for the holidays.
Many locals are hoping that the upcoming audit results and increased dialogue among leaders will help ease political hostilities and refocus attention on development priorities for Liberia’s second-most populous county.
Comments are closed.