By Shallon S. Gonlor |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — A war of words is emerging between former Nimba County District #4 Representative, Cllr. Garrison D. Yealue, and Nimba County Senator Nyan D. Twayen Jr., following sharply contrasting social media statements by the two prominent political figures over the political direction and future of Nimba County ahead of the 2029 elections.
The exchange, which unfolded through Facebook posts late Tuesday evening and subsequent responses, has brought renewed attention to the increasingly competitive political landscape in Nimba, a county historically considered one of Liberia’s most politically influential jurisdictions.
Senator Twayen, a member of the ruling political establishment, appeared to project confidence in his camp’s political strength in Nimba, declaring that the county was already firmly positioned behind the Unity Party Alliance ahead of the 2029 elections.
In his post, Twayen described Nimba as “stratified, demarcated and resolute” behind the Alliance, while warning against what he characterized as an “intended political vandalism” of the county.
“Experience can’t fight for Jersey,” Twayen wrote, adding, “We don’t make noise about it,” apparently suggesting that his political camp had already undertaken significant groundwork and organization ahead of the next electoral contest.
The senator’s remarks, however, quickly drew a strong reaction from Cllr. Garrison Doldeh Yealue, a prominent supporter of opposition leader and former President George Manneh Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
Yealue accused Senator Twayen of making what he described as a provocative political statement and warned that opposition actors would no longer remain silent in the face of claims suggesting that Nimba’s political future had already been determined.
“Let it be clear going forward: it will now be an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” Yealue declared.
The former lawmaker argued that opposition supporters had exercised restraint for nearly three years while waiting to see whether the current national and county leadership would fulfill promises made to the people of Nimba.
According to Yealue, the opposition is now under increasing pressure to respond forcefully to what he views as political claims of dominance and inadequate delivery of tangible development.
He questioned what he described as the limited visible impact of the current administration’s leadership in the county, suggesting that political loyalty should be measured not only by campaign rhetoric but also by concrete improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
‘Getting a Jersey Is One Thing’
Garrison D. Yealue also adopted a football analogy in challenging Twayen’s assertion of political strength, apparently referencing a photograph of the senator participating in a football kickoff.
“Getting a jersey is one thing; making the starting eleven and actually playing the game is another,” Yealue stated.
The comment appeared to challenge the senator’s suggestion that his political camp had already secured a dominant position in Nimba ahead of 2029.
Yealue further took exception to what he characterized as Twayen’s apparent claim of political ownership or control over the county, arguing that Nimba’s political strength has historically been derived from its diversity, collective identity and ability to unite across political and ethnic lines.
Rather than belonging to an individual politician or political organization, Yealue argued, Nimba’s political destiny ultimately rests with its citizens and voters.
He also invoked traditional wisdom to question whether Nimba should once again rally behind a political establishment that, in his view, has previously marginalized influential political actors and supporters.
“Nimba will not sacrifice another giant tree just to keep your personal bonfire burning,” Yealue declared.
The statement appeared to be a broader warning against what he perceives as attempts by individual political actors to consolidate influence at the expense of other prominent voices within the county.
‘Time Will Tell’
Yealue concluded his response by cautioning against premature declarations of political victory, insisting that claims of political control over Nimba would ultimately have to be tested at the ballot box.
“Keep your demarcation maps, time will tell who truly holds the hearts of Nimba,” he said.
The exchange has since generated discussion about the emerging political alignments in Nimba as political parties, elected officials, former lawmakers and influential supporters gradually begin positioning themselves for the 2029 electoral cycle.
Senator Twayen’s remarks appear to reflect confidence that the Unity Party Alliance has established a strong political foothold in the county. Yealue’s response, meanwhile, signals that opposition figures may be unwilling to accept any narrative portraying Nimba as politically settled or exclusively aligned with the ruling establishment.
Nimba’s 2029 Political Contest
Nimba has long played a significant role in Liberia’s national politics, producing influential political leaders and serving as a major electoral battleground during successive presidential and legislative elections.
The county’s political environment is particularly significant because of its large voting population, influential traditional and community leadership structures, and the prominence of competing political personalities.
With the 2029 elections still less than three years away, political observers are expected to closely monitor how existing alliances evolve and whether new political coalitions emerge within the county.
The latest exchange also highlights a broader question likely to dominate political conversations in Nimba in the coming years: Which political movement, party or coalition can genuinely command the confidence of the county’s voters?
For now, neither Twayen nor Yealue has indicated that the dispute will move beyond political rhetoric and social media exchanges.
However, as the 2029 elections draw closer, supporters of both camps could become increasingly vocal, potentially transforming the latest exchange into a wider political debate over leadership, development, loyalty, influence, and who ultimately has the strongest claim to the political support of Nimba County.
Ultimately, the county’s voters—not individual politicians—will have the final say when the ballots are cast.
