Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – Everyone following politics in Grand Bassa County could easily predict Gbehzongar Findley’s move ahead of 2017 elections, which is opposing his longtime political adversary, Charles Walker Brumskine.
Report by Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, [email protected]
“I think that their principles, their idea are something that I said during 2014 elections – during my campaign.”
“My views were clear on this matter…, perhaps they took some excerpts from that. I can say to you with confidence that they are not lying… in fact I think I will start supporting them.” Former Senator of Grand Bassa County, Gbehzhongar Milton Findley
Brumskin fielded Senator Jonathan Kaipay in 2014 to oust Findley, and that has ever since worsened the rivalry between the pair.
And now Findley is aiming to thwart the presidential bid of Liberty Party and its political leader.
In fact, the former Senate Pro Temp has announced his support for Vice President Boakai and is looking to garner support from across Grand Bassa County for the VP ahead of 2017.
His ploy against Brumskin is pay-back, but could be suicidal if it fails and the Liberty Party ascends to the top seat.
Several of Findley Buchanan-based supporters have embarked on a campaign dubbed United Bassa Citizens Against Brumskine Presidency.
As predicted by many observers, Findley was the prime architect of the movement against the candidature of Cllr. Brumskin, but Findley denied sponsoring the group.
Late last week, he told a Monrovia-based radio station that although he did not organize the group, he supported their ideology.
“I think that their principles, their idea are something that I said during 2014 elections – during my campaign.
“My views were clear on this matter…, perhaps they took some excerpts from that,” said Findley during a recent interview with Prime FM.
“I can say to you with confidence that they are not lying…, in fact I think I will start supporting them.”
He denied knowing the groups’ objective but said he was now motivated to support their cause since he has been repeatedly accused of supporting them.
The former Bassa lawmaker’s move is an uphill-task, and he will have to execute an impeccable political strategy to put LP out of balance in a county that has consistently voted for the party since 2005.
The National Elections Commission’s records show that Liberty Party has won the highest votes in the last two presidential elections, and more over the party now has the most lawmakers at the national legislature.
In 2005, Brumskine swept 38,498 votes (58.0%) ahead of George Weah and President Sirleaf, who came third in the county, after accumulating 4,032 (6.1%) and Weah earned 11,534 (17.4%).
In 2011, President Sirleaf appointed Findley as her lead campaigner in Grand Bassa and despite the huge finance thrown into the campaign as UP sought a second term, Liberty Party and Brumskine again won the most votes in the county with 28,039(37.6%), while Sirleaf won 24,798 (33.2%).
The numbers have always favored Brumskine in Grand Bassa County, and pundits say it’s improbably to edge the party in the county. LP has its grip on the running of the county due to its numerical advantage in the county legislative caucus, something that would influence the 2017 electorates in the county.
Findley’s renewed his support for VP Boakai and is aiming to be a torn in the side of Brumskine come 2017. He has not held back his punches in the last couple of months evident by his sarcasm against Brumskine.
“I will not have the opportunity again, Mr. Standard bearer (referring to Amb. Boakai) and I want the journalists to please carry it – I want to ask Cllr. Brumskine to please support our standard bearer,” he shouted to a thunderous crowd.
Like Findley, the movement opposing the election of Brumskine appears dedicated to their cause. They have launched stinging attacks at LP political leader on social media.
“Let’s me say this to all sympathizers, supporters of this visionless man call Brumskine he likes it or not he will not smell the seat,Pls tell me what Brumskine has done in Grand Bassa County!
Oh you don’t know that Brumskine is depending on his parents property in Bassa he’s has nothing to boast off go and check it out for [yourself] absolutely nothing,” posted Othello Garpue on Facebook.
Added Emmanuel Wragboe, the movement leader: “The United Bassa Citizens Against Brumskine Presidency wants to say many thanks to the people of Bassa for understanding our messages against Brumskine.”
The group claims Brumskine popularity is declining based on their own survey done on community radio stations in Buchanan. On the other hand, supporters on Brumskine have also taken to the group’s Facebook page in his defense.
“This is the time for the youth of Bassa to [make] up their minds to give Bassa the chance for the presidency.
“Whether you like Cllr. Brumskine or not let us all put hand together and support Cllr. Brumskine for this coming 2017 election and give him the chance to give Liberia what she deserves back,” writes Alessandro G. Flangiah.
As the debate heightens in Grand Bassa and the feud between two prominent politicians deepens, observers say political play would become tenser in the coming months.
Findley, who has been pondering about contesting for an elected seat or reentering active national politics, called on his supporters to follow him to the Unity Party and support VP Boakai.
“Now we say we got a home to go to and that home is the Unity Party,” he told his supporters, promising to give his all for the election of VP Boakai.
“Mr. Standard Bearer we want to let you know that when you leave this hall today, Gbehzongar Findley supporters will become Unity Party supporters.”