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ADNews – Maryland County, Liberia: Former Speaker of the Liberian Legislature, Bhofal Chambers, is facing mounting criticism in his home county, Maryland, particularly in Pleebo-Sodoken District #2, where he served as representative, over his recent advocacy for workers at the Maryland Oil Palm Plantation (MOPP) and the Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC).
By Emmanuel T. Quiah, Maryland County Correspondent
Many residents suspect Chambers’ newfound activism is a calculated effort to re-enter the political arena ahead of the 2029 presidential and legislative elections.
Through his radio station, Voice of Hope Radio, Chambers has spotlighted what he describes as “deplorable” living and working conditions at both MOPP and CRC. He has raised concerns about inadequate housing, lack of clean drinking water, poor sanitation, and insufficient healthcare facilities. Additionally, he criticized the companies for failing to fulfill a commitment in the 2011 concession agreements to construct an elementary school for workers’ children.
“If I were still the district’s representative, I would have pushed harder for workers’ rights through legislative means,” Chambers claimed. He pledged to continue lobbying the national government and international partners to address the issues, despite no longer holding public office.
However, his statements have sparked heated debates across Maryland County—on local radio programs, in street corner conversations, and on social media. Critics accuse Chambers of opportunism, questioning why these longstanding issues are only now a priority after his 18-year tenure as district representative, including six years as Speaker of the House from 2018 to 2023.
“It’s hypocrisy,” said Madam Bessie B. Bee, a local resident. “We raised these same concerns when he was in office about CRC’s labor practices, loans, women’s rights, and poor healthcare. My late husband was among those affected. But nothing changed. Why now? He’s playing political games. Our district deserves real progress, not empty promises.”
While some see Chambers’ actions as a long-overdue call for justice, others dismiss them as a strategic move to revive his political relevance. As the 2029 elections inch closer, the controversy surrounding Chambers underscores the growing demand for accountability and meaningful action from Liberia’s political class.
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