Margibi County – Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Francis Sakila Nyumalin Sr., has admitted that Margibi County has been largely left out of major government appointments under the Unity Party-led administration, despite the county delivering the third-highest votes for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in the 2023 elections.
By Yawah Y. Jaivey
During the 2023 presidential runoff, then-candidate Boakai secured 63,431 votes (47.08%) in Margibi, compared to 56,272 votes (41.76%) for the incumbent, George Manneh Weah. This performance placed Margibi third among counties with the highest votes for Boakai.
However, according to Minister Nyumalin, the county has not been rewarded with the level of appointments many had expected. Speaking at the induction ceremony of newly appointed Margibi County Superintendent Ojay Morris in Kakata, the Minister openly acknowledged the imbalance.
“We are aware that Margibi County took third place in terms of voting for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, especially in the second round. We are also aware that politically, Margibi County has not received its fair share of government appointments,” Nyumalin said, addressing hundreds gathered at the Nancy B. Sports Stadium.
While conceding the lack of representation, the Minister cautioned against viewing appointments as the sole reward for electoral support.
“While it’s true that people deserve appointments in government after elections, the primary reason for electing a government is for it to serve its people,” he added.
Nyumalin assured citizens that President Boakai recognizes Margibi’s contributions and will prioritize the county’s development as part of his broader national agenda.
“You may not have ministers or deputy ministers as expected, but President Boakai is fully aware of Margibi County’s contributions. Margibi deserves what other counties deserve,” he stated.
“The race car is now on the track, and I see that race car passing through Margibi County. Margibi shall be developed as part of the broader national development agenda.”
His comments come amid growing criticism that President Boakai is favoring his kinsmen from Lofa County. Earlier this month, former CDC Secretary-General Jefferson Koijee accused the president of building a “Kissi dynasty,” alleging that more than 50 individuals from Lofa have been appointed to top government positions.
Similarly, former presidential candidate and once Boakai ally, Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, has accused the president of concentrating key appointments in one region at the expense of others.
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