Congo Town – Former Nimba County Superintendent Jackson J. PAYE, has alarmed over what he describes as the invasion of foreigners, mainly Burkinabes within the forest of Tappita.
Mr. Paye, who also serves as Deputy Minister of Public Works for Outreach, said Tuesday that the foreigners are occupying lands belonging to inhabitants of Nimba County without any efforts by the security apparatus to arrest the situation.
Said Paye: “These Foreigners are now claiming parts of the forest land in Tapita and government will not have the capacity to get them out if their population increase and things gets worse,” Mr. PAYE said.
“Nigerian Army which is one of the best in West Africa were here and could not get these people out, what’s about Liberia?”
He said citizens of Kparblee District are currently living in fear on grounds that these Burkinabes might lightly drive inhabitants from that area, in the name of “ECOWAS free movement policy.’
PAYE narrated that a meeting was organized some time ago, by Nimba County Superintendent Nelson Korquoi, after the issue was raised by advocates from Nimba, giving them 30 days to leave, but to no avail.
“These people are still in surrounding villages and are still claiming our lands,” he argued.
The former Nimba County Superintendent termed as unfortunate, for some people in government, to condemn their advocacy, each time the issues of invasion are raised.
While PAYE believes the existence of Foreigners is not safe for his kinsmen, he said the issue of reconciliation is key to ensuring this work and foster development.
Said Paye: “We can reconcile among ourselves without anybody getting involved. My parents were killed like the rest of others, so we must take on reconstruction.”
According to Mr. Paye, the process of reconciliation must begin with one county before spreading to the rest of Liberia.
Mr. Paye further noted that the issue of reconciliation must take into consideration boundary disputes between towns and villages.
At the same time, Mr. Paye said he has donated 50 acres of land in the Graie, Nimba County for the construction of a technical institute. “I have completed all necessary documents for the construction of the school for citizens, while some parts will be used for agriculture activities.”
He has also disclosed plans to launch the Paye Foundation, in memory of his late parents who were murdered during the civil crisis.
According to him, the initiative is not meant for political reason, but to give back to Liberians as “a person blessed by God.”