In the wake of the ongoing Nimba Senatorial By-Election which appears highly competitive, Dr. Kardiker Rex Dahn, a prominent son of Nimba County, has sharply condemned Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe, also a well-known figure accusing him of betraying what he Cllr. Gongloe has stood for over the years. Dr. Dahn accused Cllr. Gongloe for endorsing his sister, Edith Gongloe Weh, a decision he noted contradicts the very values he(Gongloe) has long championed.
According to Dr. Dahn, “Gongloe’s recent backing of Edith Gongloe-Weh, a woman with a controversial and tarnished reputation in Nimba County regarding how she had mismanaged public resources only sends shockwaves through the political landscape, especially in Nimba County.”
He continued, ” Cllr. Gongloe has long been seen as a champion in the fight against corruption. He has often symbolized his crusade with the broom—a powerful symbol of his determination to sweep corruption out of Liberia. However, his endorsement of Edith Gongloe-Weh, whose alleged misuse of public funds during her tenure as Superintendent of Nimba County undermined the sincerity of his anti-corruption stance.”
Emphasizing further, Dr. Dahn said during the 2010 Independence Day celebrations in Nimba County, Edith Gongloe-Weh oversaw the construction of several pit latrines in Ganta, with each latrine allegedly costing an exorbitant $27,000.
“This wasteful expenditure remains cleaved on the minds of the people of Nimba, and many see it as a glaring example of mismanagement of public funds. Despite these allegations, Cllr. Gongloe has publicly endorsed Edith Gongloe-Weh for being a good leader something which seems to conflict with his earlier rhetoric about rooting out corruption from Liberia’s political system,” Dr. Dahn added.
Dr. Dahn questions,” If he truly stands for transparency, justice, and the fight against corruption, how can he align himself with someone whose actions have harmed the public trust? This endorsement casts serious doubt on his commitment to the values he has espoused throughout his career.”
Additionally, he blamed Cllr. Gongloe for associating with with controversial figure such as Musa Hassan Bility, whose character remains questioned by the public adding, “These alliances suggest a troubling shift in Cllr. Gongloe’s political efforts, one that could undermine the integrity as it relates to his fight against corruption.
“For the people of Nimba County, this endorsement sends a worrying message. While it is undeniable that women should have a voice in the political landscape, Nimba deserves a leader who will prioritize accountability, transparency, and the responsible use of public resources. Edith Gongloe-Weh, given her alleged history of corruption, does not appear to be the right choice for the county’s future,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dahn has lauded the people of Nimba for rallying behind Nimba County’s political leader, Hon. Vice President Koung, whose leadership is seen as more aligned with the needs and aspirations of the people. “As a concerned citizen, I stand firm in my support for Vice President Koung and will continue to advocate for leadership that prioritizes the interests of the people over personal or political allegiances.”
