Gongloe Condemns VP Koung’s Tribal Politics -Supports Sister Weh For Senate

By Precious D. Freeman
Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, has strongly criticized Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung over what he described as divisive and tribalistic political rhetoric.
Cllr. Gongloe’s remarks come in response to VP Koung’s reported comments urging the Mah people and other tribes to step aside and allow the upcoming by-election to favor a candidate from a specific political bloc.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, March 24, 2025, at his Gongloe and Associates Law Office in Central Monrovia, Cllr. Gongloe stressed that Nimba County stands at a crucial crossroads.
He warned that attempts to foster division along tribal lines threaten the unity and progress of the county.
“The great county of Nimba stands at a pivotal moment,” Cllr. Gongloe stated. “Nimba is a county where everyone regardless of gender, district, or political affiliation can serve. It is vital that the politically marginalized population of Nimba County, including women and members of the Krahn, Mandingo, Kpelleh, and Bassa (Gbi and Doru) ethnic groups, feel that they are an inclusive part of Nimba County.”
Gongloe emphasized the need for balanced political representation in the Liberian Senate, noting that the ruling Unity Party and its alliance, the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction, already have representation from Nimba.
He argued that true balance can only be achieved by allowing the opposition to hold a seat in the Senate.
To this end, Cllr. Gongloe called on Nimbaians to rally behind Madam Edith Gongloe Weh, the lone female candidate in the race.
He highlighted her qualifications, including her past service as Superintendent of Nimba County and her strong performance in three previous senatorial elections.
“You have seven qualified opposition candidates from whom to choose,” Gongloe noted. “But among these, there is a unique candidate; a woman who hails from Yarwin-Mehnsonnoh Statutory District, one of the districts yet to produce a senator. Edith Gongloe Weh is our best path to inclusive, balanced, and forward-looking leadership in the Senate.”
Gongloe underscored the historical imbalance in Nimba’s Senate representation, pointing out that since the 1997 elections, which saw Margaret Kermah of Tappita elected from Lower Nimba and George Korkor from Gbanquoi elected from Upper Nimba, the pattern of balanced representation has eroded.
He stressed that with a senator from Upper Nimba already in place, the vacancy should be filled by a candidate from Lower Nimba for geographic balance.
Gongloe also raised concerns about the financial implications of the election.
He noted that the ruling party’s candidate, Representative Samuel Kogar, currently serves as a member of the House of Representatives for District 5, Nimba County.
If Kogar wins the Senate seat, it would trigger yet another costly by-election.
“These elections are not without cost,” Gongloe warned. “At a time when the United States has cut its aid to Liberia and our nation is being urged to adopt austerity measures, should we really be planning for yet another expensive by-election just two years after the general elections?”
He cautioned that Liberia’s struggling economy cannot afford the financial burden of unnecessary elections.
Electing Kogar, he argues, would lead to further government expenditure at a time when fiscal responsibility is critical.
“For too long, the women of Nimba have been denied a seat at the legislative table,” Gongloe lamented. “Our neighbors Bong, Grand Gedeh, and Grand Bassa Counties have all elected women to their legislative caucuses. Yet we continue to deny our own mothers and daughters the opportunity to serve. Electing Edith Gongloe Weh would be a meaningful step toward correcting that injustice and showing that Nimba values the voices of all its citizens.”
Gongloe concluded by urging Nimbaians to vote with foresight and unity, emphasizing that the upcoming election presents an opportunity to strengthen Nimba’s political balance and ensure inclusive representation in the Liberian Senate.