MONROVIA – Liberia’s “China” – in terms of human population, and innovation and growth in trade and commerce – is no doubt Nimba County. It is the second most populous county, next to Montserrado, and many tourists and vacationists here and wide normally choose to head to the county and its hospitality facilities. However, its political heterogeneity concurrently soars, particularly following of the fall of its longtime godfather Prince Y. Johnson fondly called PJY, whose replacement in the National Legislature is the dominant discourse in the county, throwing citizens apart along the political aisle. An eminent citizen of the country, District #7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility appears worried about post-PYJ Nimba, about the peace and harmony of the fast-growing province, as the National Elections Commissions builds up for the crucial contestation. Under his column, Letter from Saclepea, Bility shares his thoughts on the pending bi-election, pointing to what he called “uneasy calm” handing over the county. The Analyst reports.
A son of Nimba County, Representative Musa Hassan Bility, views the ensuing bi-election in his homeland following the demise of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, as potentially uproarious in nature and wants his kinsmen to “see some level of decorum and mutual respect being maintained among opposition candidates” and that they should focus on issues, not personality.
In his regular column, Letter from Saclepea”, on to subject, “Back to Politics”, Bility says at candidates and electorate return to campaign trails, he is deeply concerned about the resurgence of tribal sentiment, that “dangerous undercurrent that has the potential to divide our people and distract from the real issues at stake”.
“I am doing everything in my power to prevent this from becoming a focal point of the election. Nimba’s future should not be determined by tribal loyalties but by a collective desire for competent and visionary leadership,” he said.
Two weeks ago, the National Elections Commission announced the timetable for the by-election to replace the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson, whose passing Bility says has presented the people of Nimba with an opportunity to make a critical decision—one that will shape the county’s political future and serve as a referendum on the government’s leadership over the past twelve months.
“However, as we approach this election, I cannot ignore the uneasy calm that hangs over Nimba,” he noted. “There is an unspoken tension, a quiet anger among the people.”
He said in the county and amongst Nimbaians, no one is openly saying much, yet the atmosphere is charged.
This uncertainty does not seem to favor the so-called “preferred candidate,” because politics is a science, and history has shown that governments often struggle in elections held immediately after a presidential contest, he said, and added: “While Senator Johnson’s passing was unexpected, it has given Nimbaians a chance to reflect on governance and accountability.”
He observed that across the county, the prevailing sentiment does not suggest overwhelming support for the government, and added: “But this is Nimba—a place where election outcomes can defy conventional political wisdom, probabilities, and even common sense. We have seen it before, and we have learned to accept and move forward.”
According to him, one of the most intriguing aspects of this election is the strategy of the opposition, asserting further that unlike in previous contests, opposition figures seem to recognize the importance of unity.
For those unfamiliar with Nimba’s political landscape, Bility continued, this may appear to benefit the opposition, but paradoxically, it could also strengthen the government’s candidate.
“Nevertheless, the opposition is making a conscious effort to engage the conscience of the people, urging them to hold the government accountable,” he argued. “They see this election as an opportunity for voters to assess the administration’s performance and decide if it has lived up to expectations.”
Bility however noted that at the same time, he is encouraged to see some level of decorum and mutual respect being maintained among opposition candidates.
If this continues, he said, it will mark a significant shift in Nimba politics—one that every meaningful citizen should support.
“The focus should be on issues, not personal attacks,” he said, warning: “As we return to the campaign trail, I am deeply concerned about the resurgence of tribal sentiment. It is a dangerous undercurrent that has the potential to divide our people and distract from the real issues at stake. I am doing everything in my power to prevent this from becoming a focal point of the election. Nimba’s future should not be determined by tribal loyalties but by a collective desire for competent and visionary leadership.”
For him, the by-election is more than just about electing a senator; it is a defining moment for Nimba.
“If the government’s candidate wins, it will be interpreted as a strong endorsement of the administration’s performance. Any other outcome will be seen as a vote of no confidence. That is why this election is both critical and complex.”
The Nimba County District #7 Representative urged urge all candidates and their supporters to engage in a battle of ideas rather than character assassination.
“Let us focus on policies, governance records, and the future of Nimba. A public debate where candidates outline their vision for the county would be a valuable exercise in democratic engagement,” he admonished his brethren.
Bility said consultations are ongoing and that, every soon, a formal decision on preferred candidate would be made.
“When that decision is made, we will campaign with conviction, taking our message to every city, town, and village in Nimba,” the averred. “Our goal is to demonstrate a different approach to leadership—one that prioritizes integrity, accountability, and development.”
He said in this process, he and supporters remain committed to ensuring that major issues, such as renegotiating fair deals with corporations like ArcelorMittal, remain on the table.
“Nimba deserves leaders who will fight for its best interests, ensuring that agreements are honored and that the county receives its rightful share of benefits,” he said, predicting that the election will be fierce and competitive.
He warned: “But let us ensure it remains within the bounds of the law. Let us respect the democratic process and work toward electing a leader with a proven record of service and commitment to Nimba.
“As we prepare to return to the polls once again, we must remember that this is about more than just a single election—it is about the future direction of our county. May God guide us in making the right choice.”