Saclepea, Nimba County – The official launch of the Citizen Movement for Change (CMC) in Saclepea on Saturday, March 1, marked the beginning of a new political chapter in Nimba County, with District 7 lawmaker Musa Bility sworn in as the party’s political leader. 

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

In his inaugural address, Bility introduced the CMC as a “movement for real transformation,” aiming to break the mold of traditional politics. 

His message was clear: true change, according to Bility, cannot be imposed from the top down. It must come from the people, driven by grassroots activism and a collective demand for national unity and equitable development. “True change cannot come from the top unless the people themselves demand it and drive it forward,” he declared. 

This statement signals a bold challenge to the status quo and sets the tone for the political battles ahead.

For Bility, the movement’s goal is to build a more inclusive Liberia, where all citizens, regardless of political or social background, can thrive. 

The emergence of the CMC has shaken Nimba County’s political foundation. For the past 20 years, the county has been firmly under the control of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) – before it the National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP), founded by the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson. 

The MDR’s hold on the region has been unchallenged, with its influence embedded in the county’s social and political structures. However, the rise of the CMC threatens this long-standing dominance, with the potential to alter Nimba’s political trajectory.

But the MDR is not taking this challenge lightly. Samuel Kogar, the MDR’s candidate for the upcoming Nimba senatorial by-election, is already preparing to fight for the seat once held by his late uncle, Prince Y. Johnson.

Kogar, a third-term representative and political heir to the MDR, is determined to maintain the party’s grip on the county. “We will campaign everywhere in this county to ensure our victory,” Kogar said, reaffirming his commitment to keeping Nimba under the control of the MDR.

Kogar’s strategy is rooted in his ability to represent the diverse tribal groups within Nimba. “We are not a candidate of one tribe,” Kogar emphasized, highlighting his fluency in the region’s various languages and his appeal to a broad electorate. 

As the April 22 by-election approaches, the political battle in Nimba County is intensifying. The election is not just about filling a vacant seat; it represents a deeper struggle for political control in one of Liberia’s most important counties.

Bility’s CMC has already made its mark by positioning itself as a serious challenger to the MDR, and the race for the senatorial seat will test the movement’s strength and influence in the region.

Musa Bility’s rise in Nimba is seen as not just a personal ambition — it is part of a political strategy aimed at reshaping the county’s future. Nimba has historically played a decisive role in national elections, producing three vice presidents and being a key player in the race for the presidency. 

With Vice President Jeremiah Koung, a former ally of the late Prince Johnson, seen as a candidate for the 2029 presidential race, Bility’s strategy appears to be aimed at fragmenting Nimba’s vote. 

By creating the CMC, Bility is positioning himself as a potential kingmaker, with the ability to dilute Koung’s base of support.

His challenge to the MDR, combined with Tiawan Gongloe, a former presidential candidate in the 2023 election, may be causing a realignment in Nimba’s political scene. 

Gongloe’s previously neutral stance during the 2023 elections now appears to be more influenced by family ties than a commitment to a consistent political ideology, further complicating the political landscape.

With the CMC gaining traction, and other figures like Kogar and Gongloe maneuvering for power, the next few months could determine the direction Nimba — and Liberia — will take in the years to come.

Monrovia — A troubling development has emerged in Nimba County following the funeral of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, with the government’s recent dismissal of a key member of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) raising concerns of a politically motivated campaign against party members.

By Willie Tokpah, willie.tokpah@frontpageafricaonline.com

Czar Mabulu Palay, the Youth Wing Chair of the MDR, was dismissed on Thursday from his position as Director of Health and Occupational Safety at the Ministry of Labour. 

This follows the previous day’s removal of Nesco A. Wollo, the MDR Vice Chair for Political Affairs, from his post at the National Security Agency. 

These dismissals have sparked serious allegations of political targeting, especially as they come so soon after Senator Johnson’s funeral.

Palay’s termination was communicated in a letter citing “administrative reasons.” However, many in Nimba County view this as an act of political retribution aimed at silencing members of the MDR, a party that played a significant role in securing President Joseph Boakai’s victory in the 2023 elections. 

Locals have expressed outrage, believing these actions betray Senator Johnson’s legacy and disrespect the Nimba community.

The dismissal follows Palay’s outspoken criticism of the Unity Party during Senator Johnson’s funeral. 

Palay accused Unity Party leaders of abandoning the late senator after the elections, remarks that resonated with many but also drew sharp rebuke from government officials.

Following his comments, Palay reported receiving death threats and has since expressed fear for his safety. “Since this morning, people have been sending me messages that I should leave Nimba because people are looking for me,” Palay said, adding to the atmosphere of intimidation now prevalent in the region.

The political drama intensified with Grand Gedeh Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely also condemning the Unity Party, suggesting that Senator Johnson had felt betrayed by the administration. 

The MDR asserts that Johnson was “deeply troubled” by the Unity Party’s push for a War and Economic Crimes Court, which they argue added undue pressure on the late senator.

Despite these serious allegations, President Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung have denied any betrayal, asserting that Senator Johnson’s contributions to their political success are indisputable. However, their defense has done little to ease the growing discontent among MDR supporters.

What was intended to be a tribute to Senator Johnson has turned into a political battleground, with the dismissal of MDR officials viewed as a deliberate move to undermine the party and stifle opposition. 

This has led many to believe that the government is conducting a strategic campaign to quash dissent in Nimba County.

As tensions rise, MDR leaders are calling for solidarity among party members and urging the community to resist what they view as a government-led witch hunt against those willing to speak out. 

The future of Palay and other MDR members now hangs in the balance, as the political ramifications of these dismissals continue to unfold, deepening divisions within the region’s political landscape.

Instead, they claim that supporters of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), including Vice President Jeremiah Koung and Senator Prince Johnson, are the ones receiving preferential treatment.

Moses Ghicarn, head of the district coordinators for the nine electoral districts and leader of the aggrieved partisans, claimed that they are unhappy with the manner in which they have been treated by the Unity Party-led government.

He accused Vice President Jeremiah Koung of not making time for them and paying less attention to them, focusing instead on the MDR party and Senator Prince Johnson.

Ghicarn lamented that due to such poor leadership treatment, they have vowed to bring their own Unity Party to public disrepute if the leadership does not address the issue.

He referred to the MDR party as “helpers” who came to assist them but are not dependable. “This MDR party of Vice President Jeremiah Koung and Senator Prince Johnson are helpers; they’re not dependable. They can change anytime. We are the main partisans, but we are not favored; rather, those MDR helpers are the ones enjoying our glory,” he added.

Moses Ghicarn explained that due to the poor treatment by leadership, partisans will not allow any local government appointments in the county. Even if appointed, they will not work in the county.

He stated that many business people in Ganta and throughout Nimba County have wasted their resources without receiving any rewards.

Commenting on the new superintendent appointed to replace CDC Superintendent Nelson Korquoi, Madam Kou Gono, the Unity Party leader of the aggrieved partisans, claimed that she is the Vice President’s interest.

Our Nimba County correspondent has learned that 42 Nimba children have been appointed in government positions, but Nimbaeans are still complaining about not being favored in government appointments.

Senator Prince Johnson, along with several Nimbaeans, has been complaining about locals not being appointed in government positions. They have voiced their concerns on various local radio stations in the six cities in the county.

The aggrieved Unity partisans claimed that many of them have gone out of business due to the funding they spent during the campaign activities, but they are not feeling any impact.

Meanwhile, Nimba Chiefs and elders have threatened to join the fight to prevent anyone who is not from the district from getting appointed positions in the county.