LETTER FROM SACLEPEA: Lofa and Nimba Counties: The Tale of Two Leadership

From Rep. Musa Hassan Bility

As I reflected on Liberia this morning, I saw a story of leadership unfold before my eyes, a tale of two counties: Lofa and Nimba.

In Lofa County, we have a President whose instinct for tribal politics is well known. Many, including myself, have often said that his politics is tribalistic. That is true. Yet in this case, he has used that instinct to his advantage. He has made it a strength to cement his hold over his home county.

Lofa is one of Liberia’s largest counties, rich in population, highly educated, and politically strategic. Despite being opposed by many of Lofa’s strongest men and women in both the 2017 and 2023 elections, he managed to win the presidency without their help. And remarkably, once in office, he has brought nearly all of them under his control. Today, he presides comfortably over Lofa without fear of challenge from any of its citizens. Whether one praises or criticizes his methods, one thing is clear: he has consolidated Lofa and secured a unified base behind him.

Just east of Lofa lies Nimba County, my own county. And here the story could not be more different.

As Vice President of Liberia, Jeremiah Koung has presided over Nimba in a way that is nothing short of miserable. Instead of uniting his home county, he has sought to divide it. He has discouraged dissent, distanced himself from anyone who dares to show independence, and betrayed even those who tried to work with him.

Meeting with him has become a point of suspicion. Those who stand firm, whether Musa Bility, Edith Gongloe, Samuel Kogar, or any other Nimbain who has shown a strong opinion or even quiet independence, have all been sidelined. Even those who once stood by him have been humiliated and cast aside.

For myself, he has targeted not only my political life but even my business. He has realized that he cannot control me politically, and so he resorts to harassment and intimidation. He even uses local officials, like the superintendent, to disrespect and denigrate lawmakers.

But let me be clear: all of this only strengthens my resolve. Nimba will resist what the Vice President is doing to this country. Nimba will stand up to him. And Nimba will speak against his divisive politics. I am proud to lead that charge, no matter the cost.

And so here we are, two counties, two leaders, two outcomes.

In Lofa, a President who, despite his flaws and tribal instincts, has managed to consolidate power and unify his people. In Nimba, a Vice President who has squandered the trust of his people, divided communities, and turned potential allies into enemies.

These are the two tales before us. One of redemption. One of betrayal. And history will judge them accordingly. Have a pleasant splendid week ahead.