By Shallon S. Gonlor (shallonsgonlor@gmail.com)
NIMBA COUNTY — Three prominent members of the Nimba Legislative Caucus have publicly expressed deep frustration over what they describe as their “total exclusion and neglect” by the county administration led by Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono. Representatives Samuel Brown of District #1, Nyah G. Flomo of District #2, and Nehker Gaye of District #3 reported being sidelined during three major recent events held within their own constituencies.
The lawmakers revealed they were neither formally invited to, informed about, nor officially recognized at the commissioning of a model senior secondary school in Gompa City, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Camp Grant Military Barracks in Sanniquellie—an event attended by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai—or the inauguration of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s new $1.4 billion concentrator plant in Zolowee Town.
Although the legislators acknowledged Supt. Gono’s transformative development initiatives across the county, they cautioned that her failure to consult and coordinate with elected representatives threatens local unity and impedes the development process. They emphasized that their concerns are rooted not in politics, but in factual omissions that risk fostering public division and disrepute.
At the time of reporting, Supt. Gono had not issued any official response to these allegations. Multiple attempts to contact her via phone and WhatsApp message were unsuccessful.
In a related matter, citizens of Nimba County are increasing pressure on Supt. Gono to release a long-overdue audit report conducted by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) into the administration of her predecessor, Nelson Korquoi. The audit, which covers the years 2014 to 2023, is expected to reveal significant financial irregularities and discrepancies in the county’s past operations.
Sources close to the superintendent’s office suggest that the report implicates key stakeholders and supporters of Supt. Gono, which may be contributing to delays in its release. Unconfirmed reports from the GAC indicate the audit uncovered evidence of embezzlement, stolen funds, and falsified cash receipts and vouchers involving prominent citizens and businesses for projects that were never completed—or even begun.
While residents acknowledge Supt. Gono’s leadership and development achievements, many are urging her to ensure transparency and accountability by making the audit findings public. They stress that releasing the report is essential to promoting good governance, preventing future corruption, and maintaining public trust.
Citizens also highlighted the importance of budget transparency, regular independent audits, accessible public financial reporting, and strong whistleblower protections as necessary pillars of accountable governance. They argue that making the audit report available is a critical step toward ensuring that public resources are used efficiently, effectively, and for the benefit of all residents of Nimba.
