As Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai continues his appointments, the struggle over who will become Grand Bassa’s next Superintendent has escalated into a contentious disagreement.
Reports indicate that Grand Bassa Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence supports Madam Julia Bono, a key supporter and ally, for the Superintendent’s post, while the Unity Party chairman and other top officials of the party endorse Mr. Karyou Johnson, citing his youth and innovation.
The decision has become increasingly challenging due to Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence’s alleged involvement in the matter.
Multiple sources, both within Monrovia and Grand Bassa County, have revealed to reporters that internal disagreement over the next Superintendent of Grand Bassa has divided the Grand Bassa Legislative caucus, senior citizens, women’s groups, and youth in the county.
The majority opinion in the county, including the majority of the county caucus members, favors the appointment of the young entrepreneur Karyou Johnson, owner of K-Plaza Inter-Continental Hotel in Benson River community, Buchanan city. Meanwhile, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence is advocating for Miss Julie Bono, an influential leader of the Nyonblee for Senator campaign.
Senator Karnga-Lawrence has reportedly rejected the nomination of Mr. Johnson, citing his family ties to former President George Weah through his wife’s mother, former Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah.
Discussions about the disagreement continued at various entertainment venues over the weekend, with some threatening protests to ensure President Joseph Boakai selects a Superintendent of their choice, especially considering Mr. Karyou Johnson’s significant support for the Unity Party over the years of opposition, which led to repercussions during Weah’s government in Grand Bassa County.
The office of Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence has yet to officially respond to these accusations, but she recently promised to work with whomever President Boakai appoints.
While Madam Julie Bono is known for overseeing the construction of a city hall during her tenure as Mayor of Buchanan and for her support of Senator Karnga-Lawrence, Karyou Johnson has been involved in numerous developmental projects in Grand Bassa County, solidifying the Unity Party’s presence over the past decade.
Mr. Karyou Johnson, a native of Grand Bassa County, has contributed significantly to the county’s development. As Administrator of the Grand Bassa County Health Team, he spearheaded various projects, including the construction of infrastructure, procurement of essential equipment, and the establishment of health units across the county.
His efforts have included the introduction of solar-powered electrical pumps and water systems, construction of hand-pump wells, provision of solar outdoor lighting at health facilities, and improvements in financial management systems to facilitate grants programs from international donors.
The ongoing disagreement underscores the complexity of local politics and the competing interests within Grand Bassa County. The eventual appointment of the Superintendent will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the county’s development trajectory.
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