Africa-Press – Liberia. Mixed reactions have continued to trail the choice of Nimba County Senator Jeremiah Koung as running mate to Unity Party’s standard bearer Joseph Boakai.
While some Liberians are applauding the choice, others are threatening not to back the duo during the 2023 general elections.FrontPageAfrica’s Selma Lomax and Franklin Doloquee Wednesday toured several districts to sample the opinions of residents of Koung’s Nimba County, where they share their divergent views on this and many other national issues.
“The nomination of Senator Koung last week by Joseph Boakai clearly demonstrates the Unity Party’s standard bearer’s strength in selecting competent people. “It has proven Boakai’s focus for effective service delivery and has also provided an insight into what a government run by Boakai would be.”
Marcus Wuo, a motorcyclist: “This decision is not in the interest of Liberians. Boakai’s selection of Jeremiah Koung means that the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court he promised won’t exist if he wins. Can a Joseph Boakai presidency prosecute warlord Prince Johnson? That’s my question.”
Luther Lekpeh, Ganta resident: “As a loyal and committed member of our party (MDR), Senator Koung has what it takes to be an excellent running mate to Joseph Boakai. We as a party pledge our full cooperation and support to Boakai-Koung ticket as we march towards a resounding victory in the October elections. We enjoin all members of our party across Liberia too to give the Boakai-Koung ticket their utmost support.”
Othello Deshield, a member of Unity Party and resident of Tappita: “We knew this was what he was going to do and we have warned against it. It is up to Liberians to decide on what they want. You are all alive when we warned Boakai not to select Koung, because doing so would mean supporting a warlord in Senator Prince Johnson, who I believe, is looking for a shield or a president that would protect him after 2023. If Liberians endorse him and vote for him, whatever happens, Liberians will face the consequences.”
Francis Laramie, a Ganta businessman: “The Unity Party was against sitting lawmakers contesting for legislative seats while their tenures haven’t ended. They argued it was a waste of money for Rep. Saah Joseph to relinquish his seat to contest as senator of Monsterrado County, but they are celebrating the selection of Jeremiah Koung, a sitting senator who was elected for nine years. If the Unity Party wins the presidency in October, there would be a vacancy for the Senate seat in Nimba County. Won’t that be another waste of tax payers’ money? I’m not supporting the Boakai-Koung ticket because I strongly feel it’s a waste of money, too.”
Obediah Gayewon, resident of Ganta: “Senator Prince Johnson has been so divisive, fighting people of Mano tribe to enable his Gio kingsmen control the county. We have qualified Mano people who can be a better Senator, but Senator Johnson has used his influence over the years to deny us. So, this time around we will disappoint them by retaining the CDC in power for another six years, because voting a Boakai-Koung ticket would mean propelling the Gio-speaking people to the presidency in the future.”
Wilson Guanbeh, resident of Ganta: “I say NO to a Boakai-Koung ticket and we can’t be saying YES to the War and Economic Crimes Court and be happy for such ticket. My argument is based on fairness, equity and justice for war victims.”
Simeon Gonmengbay, resident of Ganta: “Liberians are yearning for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court to heal the wounds of the civil war, and all patriots are seeking ways to salvage the situation. Therefore, Boakai’s decision to take a a confidant of a warlord in Senator Koung, will further kill the dreams of many Liberians. He should know that patriotism is a quality of a good leader.”
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