BONG COUNTY — Prince Moye is a name that meant different things to different people. And the reason for this is no other than politics.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
Moye’s outward meekness, which many translated as his weakness, was seen as not suitable for leadership position when he first contested as representative of District Two in 2011.
But the mistake in that narrative was ignoring that a submissive man will understand what it takes to make another man happy. And this has been the experience with Moye in the leadership positions entrusted him so far in Bong County.
Although, his 12-year tenure as a two-time representative of District Two was short because of his ascendency as senator in 2020, but it prefaced an enduring sense of commitment to the good of the people.
That proved his doubters wrong, and in turn, endeared him more to the people, which earned him a victory at the 2020 senatorial election at the expense of Henry Yallah.
How Moye got here tells a story of determination and drive for success. He fought through searing, dehumanizing political marginalization, especially from the former ruling Coalition of Democratic Change from 2017—2023, and media onslaught at his person.
Speaking at the commencement convocation of his alma mater, William V. S. Tubman Gray High School in Gbarnga recently, Moye recounted that “I was subjected to the worst personality attacks and assaults in Bong political history,” adding that “and these people have not been able to prove it. My name Moye has become sweet in their mouths. If they don’t mention my name they won’t get attention.”
One spectacular thing about Moye is his simplicity and him not given to the temptation of politics of bitterness.
Despite all he went through in the hand of his opponents to get to where he is now, Moye made it clear he would only be guided by public interest and not the bitter politics of the past.
For that reason, he is continuing projects, programs and initiatives as long as it will benefit the people.
Moye: A model for new lawmakers
Moye has become a rallying point of support for new lawmakers in the county, with many of them openly professing their love for his style of governance.
Though he won as an independent candidate, Rep. Foday Fahnbulleh of District Seven, Prince Koinah of District One, and Rep. James Kolleh have never failed to reference Moye as one worthy of emulation.
The lawmakers model their manifestos after his, with particular reference to bringing back the dividends of democracy to their respective constituents. Rep. Fahnbulleh, in a chat with FrontPageAfrica, said: “I respect Senator Moye. He’s the most senior and experienced among others. I’ve learned a lot from him in a short period of time, especially when it comes to how to doing the people’s work. I wasn’t elected to make conflict with anyone in the caucus. My presence in the Bong Legislative Caucus should be to attract dividends for my district, and not to create animosity with anyone,” he said.
How Moye replaced Jewel as face of Bong
Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has always been seen as the “face” of the politics of Bong County. This has been a trend that started from 2005 when she first won as senator of Bong County.
But the election of Moye’s Unity Party over Howard-Taylor’s Coalition of Democratic Change in 2023, the tides turned as Moye inspired the Unity Party to a victory in a manner that left nothing to dispute.
Although the CDC narrowly won Bong County with less than one percent of the votes, many regarded Moye’s strong influence in the county as a key factor that limited the CDC despite being a ruling party that was dishing out millions of Liberian dollars.
While UP’s Jeremiah Koung was massively garnering the votes for his party in Nimba County, CDC couldn’t leverage on Howard-Taylor’s nativity as a Bongese (native of Bong) — thanks to Moye’s influence.
Ahead of 2029, speculations are rife about Moye’s next political plan, with many still doubtful whether he would seek re-election as senator or go as running mate to any presidential candidate.
Moye’s indecisiveness could also be an indecisive factor for many individuals desirous of contesting as senator of Bong County in 2029. FrontPageAfrica gathered Rep. Marvin Cole’s 2029 ambition to contest as senator of Bong County hinges on whether Moye will seek re-election or not amid his fear of facing off with Moye.
