By Reuben Sei Waylaun
Nimba County electoral district one Representative and ‘Senator-elect’ of Nimba County, Jeremiah Kpan Koung has assured all citizens of the County that he will reconcile them despite ‘perceived political bickering’ that ensued from the 2020 Special Senatorial Elections (SSE).
The National Elections Commission (NEC) has since declared Representative Koung of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) as the ‘winner’ of the election in the county, but his victory has since been challenged by his main contender, Madam Edith Gongloe-Weh of the Collaborating Political Parties.
Representative Koung of Senator was winner of the senatorial election by the National Elections Commission (NEC) after obtaining 37,899 votes constituting 36.12% and main contender, Madam Edith Gongloe-Weh accumulating 34,153 votes constituting 32.55%.
Madam Gongloe-Weh filed a formal complaint to the NEC citing ‘irregularities and fraud’ thereby calling for thorough investigations into the situation.
The hearing has lasted for the past two months with ‘final arguments’ between legal counsels of both sides taking place on Saturday February 13, 2021.
The ongoing legal battle has reportedly caused some misunderstanding in the county with some supporters of both candidates usually accused of throwing jibes at each other.
However, addressing reporters following the ‘final arguments’ on Saturday, Rep. Koung assured all Nimbaians that he has the ability and the exuberance of uniting all Nimbaians irrespective of their sides, or status.
Since the start of the hearing, the call for the division of the county has been at the center of side discussions and some citizens of the county continue pointing accusing fingers at Senator Prince Yormie Johnson of reportedly causing ‘political bickering and ethnic politics’ in the county.
But Rep. Koung said “Some of them like Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe that has personal problems with Sen. Johnson, it’s my business to bring Sen. Johnson and Cllr. Gongloe on the table to see how we can move Nimba forward.”
“There is no Gio, Mano, krahn, we only have one Nimba and let’s keep it like that. Nobody for political reasons should divide our people to survive. This election says no to divisive talks to survive. I see no conflict in Nimba. After everything, I will go to my big sister and others for us to work together. I am here to solve your problems you have with Senator Johnson and we will work together,” Rep. Koung rallies Nimbaians.
The Nimba County Senator-elect added “What matters is Nimba must move forward. I know NEC will rule according to the law and confirm and if they think we need to extend, we will go as far as the Supreme Court. I fear no rerun, defeated candidates shouldn’t call for rerun because of sympathety,” he said.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.