Africa-Press – Liberia. Bong County’s already complex political landscape has taken on a new dimension, as the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has officially crowned Representative Eugine JM Kollie of District #5 as the party’s “Godfather” in the county. The move, hailed by CDC partisans but raising concerns among many residents, comes at a time when reconciliation and unity remain fragile across the county.
With this declaration, Bong County now finds itself navigating dual centers of influence. On one hand, Senator Prince Kermue Moye Sr. has long been regarded as the county’s undisputed political godfather, wielding significant grassroots loyalty and a broad coalition of support. On the other hand, the CDC’s recognition of Rep. Kollie sets up a new axis of power, elevating him beyond the role of lawmaker to that of the party’s face and ultimate authority in the county.
The question reverberating across Bong is simple but consequential: Why has the CDC chosen to bestow this symbolic yet powerful title on its lone county lawmaker?
Party insiders argue the decision is rooted in loyalty and strategy. As the only CDC representative to have survived the political waves of the county for now, Kollie has become the standard-bearer of the party’s resilience in Bong County. “He stood firm when many abandoned the party. Rewarding him is not only right, but necessary,” one CDC stalwart told New Dawn newspaper.
But critics are not convinced. Many warn that such a move could inadvertently deepen political divides at a time when reconciliation efforts are underway to bridge gaps created by years of tension and factionalism. “Bong County is still struggling to heal from election wounds. To create rival ‘godfathers’ is to risk fueling political rivalry instead of unity,” a civil society leader observed.
Senator Moye, whose stature as county godfather stems from both political clout and community development initiatives, has yet to officially respond to the CDC’s declaration. However, his supporters view the move as an intentional attempt to weaken his influence.
For ordinary citizens, the implications are mixed. While some view healthy competition as a means to ensure accountability and progress, others fear that the creation of parallel power structures could hinder development and prolong the cycle of division.
As Bong County moves toward future elections, the emergence of these dual godfathers may well define its political narrative either as a moment of pluralism that empowers the people or as a contest of egos that leaves reconciliation in the dust.
One thing is certain: the political heartbeat of Bong is louder than ever, and its pulse now beats to the rhythm of two godfathers.
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