Liberia: Margibi Stakeholders Express Anger Over Alleged Interference of Pro Tempore Senate in Overturning Appointments in Margibi Local County

Margibi County — Prominent stakeholders in Margibi County have expressed disapproval over the recent decision of the Liberian Senate Caretaker President (Grand Bassa County Senator), Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, to rescind previous appointments of local officials from Margibi County made by President Joseph. Nyuma Boakai.

By Selma Lomax, (email protected)

We can recall that Pres. Boakai on April 23, 2024, appointed several sons and daughters of Margibi County to complete appointments in the county local government, including County Development Officer, County Administrative Officer, County Finance Officer, city ​​mayors, districts and township commissioners, among others.

Since then, their confirmations have been delayed due to pressure from some Unity Party (UP) supporters in the county, who have asked Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence Pro-Tempore to use his influence to overturn the nominations previous presidents and return to the appointment of people like the spirit who would defend his candidacy for the 2029 presidential election at the county level.

Impeccable sources told FrontPage Africa that in a bid to finalize the discussion to overturn previous nominations and suggest their preferred personalities, Pro-Tempore Lawrence last Wednesday had a meeting in Monrovia at a local resort with supporters of the Party of Unity (UP). led by former Margibi County Superintendent Levi Z. Piah.

The move has sparked widespread anger and frustration among local residents and leaders who perceive it as unwarranted interference in the affairs of Margibi County.

Karnga-Lawrence, pro tempore, originally from Grand Bassa County, has faced backlash for what many see as overstepping her boundaries by intervening in the governance of Margibi County.

Many stakeholders who wished to remain anonymous said the decision of Pro-Tempore Karnga-Lawrence to conspire with a few to overturn the appointments made by President Boakai should be condemned by all well-meaning Margibians.

In a series of statements, various stakeholders including community leaders, civil society groups and youth leaders expressed their dismay at the actions of Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence. They argue that his alleged interference undermines the democratic process and disregards the president's wishes. Boakai.

“Margibians view such action as evil and compromising the rescue mission and ordinary Margibians. We, Margibians, are satisfied with all the nominated candidates. Thus, any measure to remove already nominated candidates will be strongly rejected, and I can assure you of an unspecified measure. While we understand that Senator Lawrence's action is aimed at satisfying his political quest for 2029, we also want to be alarmed because it is aimed at fueling tensions within our country,” said Emmanuel K. Tokpah, President of the Rescuers patriots of Margibi.

Continuing, Tokpah said: “If Senator Lawrence cannot help the rescuers, let her distance herself from Margibi’s politics. The Margibi Patriotic Rescuers therefore thank the President, His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai for appointing these brilliant minds to lead the activities of the local government of Margibi County.”

Margibi County stakeholders noted that all nominated candidates are qualified Margibians and must be given the chance to serve the people of Margibi and Liberia and urged Pro-Tempore to desist from interfering in the affairs of Margibi and to allow the will of the president to prevail.

Meanwhile, attempts to reach her for comment were met with silence as all efforts to solicit her side of the story proved futile.