– Say they are pleased with the Projects Implementation
By Shallon S. Gonlor (shallonsgonlor@gmail.com)
NIMBA COUNTY — Citizens of Nimba County have expressed their profound thanks and appreciation to the County Administration of Superintendent Kou Meaprh Gono for the successful implementation of several projects under the 2024 budget year.
The projects, which were inspected by a delegation of the Nimba County Council, include the annex of the George A. Dunbar Public School in Nengbein, the Sokopa Presidential Palace, the Bunadin Youth Center, and the Wallah Bridge in Nimba District #8.
The Nimba County Council delegation, comprising five council members, headed by Co-Chair Justin Samuel, toured several projects across the county to verify their status. The tour aimed to ensure that projects approved under the 2024 budget year have commenced and that the people’s money is being properly utilized.
The projects were funded by the County and Social Development Funds. The County Council emphasized that while they have the power to approve projects, the funding belongs to the people of Nimba, and it is their responsibility to ensure that the funds are used effectively.
At different project sites, citizens gathered to express their joy and gratitude over the projects.
Elders, youth leaders, women leaders, and town chiefs all expressed excitement and appreciation for the projects, which they described as “long-time cries and needed dreams actualized.”
The successful implementation of these projects is a testament to the County Administration’s commitment to delivering essential services to the people of Nimba County. The County Council, established under the Local Government Act of 2018, comprises nine members, including representatives from youth groups, persons with disabilities, women’s organizations, traditional leaders, elders, and civil society. It serves as the highest policy-making and legislative body at the county level.
CSO Representatives Removed Amid Power Struggle
The Nimba County Administration removed two representatives of the county’s Civil Society Organization from the nine-member County Council— effectively ending a deadlock that stalled development in the county.
The removal comes after a prolonged internal conflict within the CSO over the legitimacy of their representatives at the County Council level.
The conflict began when some members of Nimba Civil Society Organization questioned the legitimacy of CSO’s Chairperson, J. Alexander Nyahn’s election — deeming it fraudulent and unfair. The disputing members took the matter to court, but the verdict is still pending over years now.
The Nimba County Council, originally composed of nine members, has been reduced to seven members since 2024. The internal wrangling and allegations of fraud among CSO members have hindered the council’s ability to function effectively at the County Council level. Key players involved top officials, including J. Alexander Nyahn, Jr., Melikah Y.S. Menworleh, and
Steve Nya Quoi — former Secretary General of CSO Nimba County respectively.
The removal of CSO representatives aims to resolve the deadlock and allow the County Council to focus on development agendas. However, the underlying issues within the CSO and the disputed legitimacy of the council’s leadership may continue to affect the county’s progress in addressing critical issues at the county leadership.
