Africa-Press – Liberia. prominent citizen of Margibi County, J. Ebenezer Kolliegbo, has raised concerns over what he describes as the marginalization of the county by the Unity Party (UP)-led Government, despite the county’s significant backing to the party during the 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections.
Last week, Liberia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Francis Sakila Nyumalin Sr., acknowledged that Margibi has been largely overlooked in recent government appointments under the UP-led Administration, despite ranking third in votes for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in 2023.
During the presidential runoff, Boakai garnered 63,431 votes (47.08%) in Margibi, trailing only Montserrado and Nimba Counties.
The county’s support was notable, with voters overwhelmingly backing Boakai over incumbent President George Manneh Weah, who received 56,272 votes (41.76%).
However, Minister Nyumalin admitted that Margibi has not been proportionally rewarded with government appointments, despite its electoral importance.
Speaking at the induction of newly appointed Margibi County Superintendent Ojay Morris at Nancy B. Sports Stadium in Kakata, the Minister expressed awareness of the imbalance.
“We are aware that Margibi County took third place in votes for President Boakai, especially in the second round. We also recognize that politically, Margibi has not received its fair share of government appointments,” Minister Nyumalin stated.
He added, “People deserve appointments after elections, but the primary purpose of electing a government is to serve its people. President Boakai recognizes Margibi’s contributions and will prioritize the county’s development as part of his national agenda.”
Despite these assurances, Mr. Kolliegbo emphasized that the unwavering loyalty of Margibi residents, who stood firmly behind the UP and President Boakai has not been reciprocated.
“In my interactions with party members—including former lawmakers—the consensus is clear: Margibi has been pushed to the margins of national decision-making with little tangible benefit,” Mr. Kolliegbo told FrontPage Africa(FPA).
He further shared, “Recent sentiments among supporters reflect growing disillusionment. Just last week, a dedicated partisan suspended his membership, and a young supporter I’ve worked with since 2007 told me he’s quitting politics altogether. Many young people who once proudly carried the Unity Party’s banner now refuse to participate in county or party politics.”
“This mounting frustration raises important questions: Has Margibi’s significant contribution to President Boakai’s electoral victory been properly recognized or rewarded?” Mr. Kolliegbo asked, pondering whether political miscalculations, deliberate sidelining, or a failure to appreciate Margibi’s strategic importance are at play.
Mr. Kolliegbo, however, warned that if the exclusion of Margibians from the UP-led Government is not addressed now, the support base in the county will weaken, potentially undermining the party’s prospects in future elections.
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