Controversy Surrounds VP Koung’s Call for Tribal Voting in Nimba Election
Vice President Jeremiah Koung is accused of fueling divisive tribal politics in Nimba County by urging only the Mah tribe to support the Gio candidate Samuel Kogar in the upcoming by-election. Koung believes electing Kogar is crucial to maintaining balance in tribal representation. He warned that voting for anyone other than Kogar would be a waste. The election date is set for April 22, 2025.
As the Nimba Senatorial by-election approaches, Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has been criticized for reigniting divisive tribal politics. He recently urged the Mah-speaking tribe and others to support Representative Samuel Kogar, from the Gio-speaking ethnic group, rather than voting for candidates of their own choosing. Koung asserts that failing to do so would be a waste of their votes in the upcoming election.
Koung’s statements suggest that he is promoting a single-tribe dominance in the senatorial seat, advocating exclusively for the Gio-speaking population’s interests. He justified this stance by arguing that it’s unfair for one tribe to occupy both senatorial positions in the county. In a phone interview, Koung stated, “Let’s keep the county stable. Let’s keep our country together and it will be in our interest.”
Following the death of former Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, a Gio tribe member and influential political figure, the current dynamics have shifted. The lone senator from Nimba, Nya D. Twayen, Jr., is a Manor native, and there is contention between tribes regarding representation. Koung believes the Gio should inherit the vacancy left by Johnson.
Samuel Kogar, backed by Koung and representing the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), is in the race along with eighteen other candidates. If elected, he would leave a vacancy in District 5, necessitating another by-election. Koung emphasized his support for Kogar, referring to him as a critical voice for Nimba in the National Assembly.
Koung has warned voters against supporting other candidates, describing votes for them as wasted. “If you don’t want the sheep, you spoil the vote. Any vote other than Kogar, you are wasting your vote.” He has explicitly encouraged Mah people to unite behind Kogar to maintain balance in the county.
Vice President Jeremiah Koung’s recent remarks regarding the Nimba County senatorial by-election have drawn accusations of fostering tribal division. Despite this, he urges support for Samuel Kogar from the Gio tribe, asserting the need for representation that reflects tribal balance. The outcome of this election may reshape Nimba’s political landscape significantly and potentially lead to another by-election if Kogar is successful in his bid.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
