BONG COUNTY – Former Bong County senatorial candidate Dr. Mogana Flomo and incumbent Senator Johnny Kpehe have reconciled following a bitter fallout during the 2023 senatorial elections, signaling a renewed commitment to unity and development in the deeply divided county.

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

Dr. Flomo, who now chairs a reconciliation committee backed by the Bong County leadership and legislative caucus, had emerged as one of the harshest critics of Senator Kpehe during the electoral campaign. At the time, Flomo publicly questioned Kpehe’s roots in Bong County, branding him a “stranger” due to his paternal ties to Lofa County and warned voters against electing him.

In several radio appearances during the campaign, Flomo intensified his rhetoric, accusing Kpehe of “trucking voters” from outside the county in violation of electoral laws. “Do you want to make someone senator whose father doesn’t hail from Bong County?” he asked listeners during a heated broadcast, framing Kpehe’s candidacy as an encroachment on the county’s political integrity.

After Kpehe was declared the winner by the National Elections Commission (NEC), Flomo threatened to challenge the results, citing what he described as widespread irregularities. 

In a dramatic turn of events, Flomo and Kpehe appeared Thursday in a photo posted on Facebook, smiling and shaking hands during a meeting facilitated by Senator Prince K. Moye in his Capitol Building office. Flomo captioned the image: “Unity begins with us—no one else can bring it if we don’t choose it ourselves.”

Reacting to the development, Senator Kpehe told FrontPageAfrica that he had decided to put past differences aside in the interest of unity and progress. “We as a people must unite if we want to see our county move forward. Bong County can’t achieve its goals when we as leaders continue to thrive on petty differences,” Kpehe said. “During the campaign, my main message was reconciliation, and I can’t be the one to push back on reconciliation when that was always my goal.”

The reconciliation has been met with widespread praise from residents across Bong County. On social media, several citizens expressed support and hope for a lasting peace among the county’s fragmented leadership.

Marcus Dolo, a resident of Gbarnga, stated: “If they can’t reconcile now, then what are they teaching us? They are our leaders and once the leaders are not united, we have a divided county.”

Alvin Zarwolo, a Bong native living in Monrovia, added: “We look forward to the outcome of this reconciliation process so that collectively we can forge the development of Bong County.”

While the reconciliation between Flomo and Kpehe marks a positive step, political tensions remain high within Bong County, particularly among members of the county’s legislative caucus. The 2023 elections widened existing rifts, notably between Senator Prince Moye of the ruling Unity Party and lawmakers aligned with the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).

District Three Representative Marvin Cole and District Five Representative Eugine Kollie, both CDC members, have frequently clashed with Senator Moye over policy decisions and political strategy. Their rivalry has played out publicly, with supporters of both factions often resorting to personal attacks on social media in defense of their respective leaders.

Adding to the complex political landscape is the longstanding feud between Senator Moye and former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor. The rivalry dates back to when Howard-Taylor supported alternative candidates against Moye in the 2011 and 2017 legislative elections, and again in the 2020 senatorial race. In return, Moye actively campaigned against Howard-Taylor’s 2014 senatorial re-election and opposed her 2023 vice-presidential bid alongside then-President George Weah—a race that ended in defeat for Weah’s CDC ticket.

The Moye–Howard-Taylor rivalry has repeatedly spilled into the public sphere, with both politicians trading accusations of corruption and incompetence during radio interviews. Their feud continues to divide party structures and supporters within the county.

Dr. Flomo’s role as head of the reconciliation committee places him at the center of efforts to mend these political divisions. His appointment, backed by the Bong County leadership and legislative caucus, is seen as a strategic attempt to bridge the county’s polarized leadership.

Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Finance, Bill McGill Jones, commended Flomo’s new role, saying: “Great job, Mr. Chairman, Mogana S. Flomo Jr. Let’s engage all stakeholders of Bong.”

However, the challenges remain immense. Flomo must navigate deep-seated mistrust among key players, ongoing rivalries, and a history of failed reconciliation attempts.

One such effort occurred in 2011 when the Development Education Network-Liberia (DEN-L), in collaboration with the Bong Christian Association (BOCA), organized a reconciliation jamboree following national elections. That initiative collapsed shortly afterward due to intensified divisions among political leaders, many of whom continued to prioritize personal ambitions over collective progress.

Despite the hurdles, residents are hopeful that this latest reconciliation attempt will lay the groundwork for a more unified and forward-looking Bong County. Community voices have stressed that development can only be achieved when leaders collaborate rather than feud.

James Lablah, a Bong native, commented: “Congratulations. This is what we need in this country—especially in our county.”

Folton Blasin echoed a similar sentiment: “My heart is happy to see the beginning of unity in Bong County.”

MONROVIA — Bong County senator, Johnny Kpehe, will on Thursday, July 18, 2024 receive the prestigious Golden Image award.

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

Sen. Kpehe was selected winner of the ‘economic development award’ for the year 2024.

According to the organizers, Senator Kpehe’s selection follows thorough research and vetting of names and profiles of individuals, organizations and countries submitted by a network of national and international committee members to the National Secretariat of the Golden Image Award for scrutiny from September 2023 to May 2024.

The Golden Image Award is an annual national Liberian meritorious awarding event aimed at honoring individuals for their contributions to society. 

The vision is based on the need to honor and celebrate unsung heroes whose contributions to society- ranging from peace, development, investment, health, education, leadership, democracy, justice, human rights, journalism, arts, culture, and other human development initiatives, nationally and internationally-often go unnoticed.

This year marks the 14th Edition of the GOLDEN IMAGE AWARD since its formation in 2011. 

His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia is the Convener for the Award. 

The official event comprising Awards Presentation and Dinner for this year’s GOLDEN IMAGE AWARD is scheduled for the 18th of July 2024 in the Ballroom of the Monrovia City Hall, with the red carpet starting at 6:30 p.m.

The Award event is also part of Liberia’s Independence Day Celebration. Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, is the image and face of the award.