MONROVIA: A clearer picture of who some key stakeholders in Margibi County will support in the senatorial race in the ensuing October 10, 2023 general elections emerged over the weekend, when a huge number of traditional rulers and elders in the county converged at Kollie Kane Town, Margibi County to endorse the senatorial bid of former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Mr. Nathaniel Farlo McGill at a well-organized and attended traditional ceremony that drew many citizens, supporters and well-wishers from far and near.
Visible signs of a very important occasion occurring in the community begin to show as early as 6 am on Saturday, July 29, 2023 when local residents begin to see unprecedented number of people trooping into the town in vehicles and on motorbikes causing traffic log within the town and environs while attendees which included traditional singers, dancers among others had a field day to the delight of the many that turned out.
Mr. McGill who came all the way from his home on the highway, District # 1, Margibi County was accompanied by a sizeable number of partisans of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), supporters and other close friends in a carnival form, was warmly received on arrival in the town by the chiefs and elders who were delighted that their august guest had honored their invitation and ready to receive the endorsement.
The ceremony which followed a strict traditional protocol saw the elated McGill marching forward to the chiefs upon disembarking from his vehicle for the traditional welcome activities and at the closing of the formalities, the chiefs encircled him, prayed for him, blessed and honored him and then presented to him a walking stick which according to them symbolizes wisdom, leadership and authority, assuring him that their support for him was non-negotiable.
The endorsement which was done in the local languages was devoid of the usual loud speeches by participants but was quiet and highly spiritual to the core to the extent those who were not directly involved were not allowed to speak or participate.
They enumerated several reasons why they have decided to endorse McGill in the midst of other contenders, stressing that the former CDC chairman has all it takes to move the county and people forward as well as listing some of the impactful projects and interventions he has done for the county and its people and believe that once elected, he will do more than what he has been doing.
As soon as the chiefs and elders were done with their endorsement, McGill, very excited by then , moved through the surging crowd, waved to them and made his way before the waiting traditional and praise singers who came from the various communities of the county to entertain him and entourage. The singers and dancers did not leave McGill and team disappointed as they held the crowd spellbound with their performances.
Though he did not make any formal speech during the ceremony beyond thanking the traditional leaders and elders for the honor done him with the endorsement and pledge of undiluted support towards his senatorial bid, McGill before taking off from the venue of the program said that the occasion was “very important to what we are pursuing to be in the senate for our county and people and we are grateful that God has been on our side, we will not disappoint our people”.
Some pundits who spoke to The Analyst on what the endorsement meant for McGill who is contesting on the ticket of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), said though the grass root politician has received several endorsements since he registered his intent to contest for the senate, that of the traditional leaders speaks volumes of his acceptability and may go a long way in defining his victory.
“Getting endorsements from our traditional leaders who are the custodian of our culture, heritage and pride is a big plus to any politician because it means the society has accepted you. They represent and speak more on the core values our people cherish so much which include but not limited to, self-less service, sacrifice, commitment, loyalty, true and trustworthiness.
“As our fathers, their opinions matter especially in these ensuing elections when the people are resolved to follow the right advice and register their votes for the candidates best suited for the jobs. Don’t be surprised when you hear the outcome of the race going in favor of Mr. McGill”, Moses Woetanwolo, an opinion leader in Kakata, Margibi County told The Analyst last night.
Sampling of opinions by The Analyst at the venue of the program shortly after it was concluded came up with a unanimous submission that McGill will be the next Senator of Margibi County after the general elections, relying on what the people called “the people’s verdict”, meaning that the people of Margibi County have taken a decision to have the former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs in the upper chamber of the national legislature.
“My brother, all what you are seeing here, all formalities, we have concluded on him to be our next senator and I can tell you that Margibi County will never be the same again after the election. He has been with us, has been for us, has been doing things for us and will do more for us when he gets there”, Madam Cecelia Togba-Nanebo , a women group leader, told The Analyst.
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