Former Grand Gedeh Superintendent Peter Solo has responded to what he terms as unfounded allegations by a CSO group under the banner Citizen for Better Liberia, accusing him of embezzling funds intended for the construction of a community college, road maintenance amongst other projects in the county.
In an official response through a family member Kia Gee, Solo said the group should be ready to back up their claims in a legal proceeding, citing a crucial need for Liberian media to exercise caution and refrain from damaging the reputations of leaders without solid facts and evidence.
Meanwhile, he pointed fingers at former county official Superintendent Kai Farley of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) government for using unconventional measures in response to criticism from local and media rights groups, which have exposed the failures of his leadership during the CDC led administration. Gee said in a striking move, Farley allegedly funded several online blogs to publish disparaging stories about former Grand Gedeh Superintendent Peter L. Solo, accusing him of orchestrating the very reports and articles that paint him in a negative light.
Gee alleged that Farley and his associates are nothing more than baseless chatter, and to set the record straight, Solo’s administration has received recognitions and accolades for its groundbreaking development projects, including the construction of clinics, public schools, and the rehabilitation of vital roads and the commissioners’ compounds, Reconstruction and operations of LWSC Zwedru water system ,WAPP CONSTRUCTION of electricity grid in Zwedru City and 3 other cities, reconstruction of Zwedru triangle, renovation and refurbishment of County Admin building and Zwedru City hall, development projects in all 8 admin districts rehab of Zwedru pave and gravel city street, in Grand Gedeh County since the post-war era.
“Hon. Solo stands out as a beacon of integrity in administrative and political leadership, guiding his county with unwavering honesty. He notably transferred valuable brand new assets—yellow machinery, vehicles, and a significant sum of USD 351,000 and LRD 19 million—to then-Supt. Kai Farley. The machines were turned over in March 2018 after a county sitting resolution was passed to procure them from China in 2014. In 2011, following the Legislature’s act to establish the Grand Gedeh Community College and other colleges in Liberia, the Hon. Solo administration began lobbying for the construction of the college with support from the National Government. The legislative caucus and the county sitting signed a resolution appropriating 1.25 million USD for the construction of the college in 2014,” Gee said in an official response sent to this paper on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
He recalled that in 2017, during her farewell county tour, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf dedicated the well-constructed college compound, which features over six departmental buildings, administrative quarters, and student laboratories.
“Don’t just take my word for it; it’s all public record; go check the facts for yourself! We encourage everyone to use the Freedom of Information Act to obtain public information and records related to government officials and their activities. These documents are public records, so reach out to the appropriate government entities to gain accurate insights instead of relying on misinformation,” the response said.
According to Gee, Fear seems to be creeping in for Farley, especially as an impending GAC/LACC audit looms on the horizon, a statement that this paper could not independently verify as of the time of publication. Gee said it is high time Farley accounted for his leadership.
“Hon. Peter Solo was conferred the distinction of Grand Knight Commander Humane order of African redemption” by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who praised him as one of the finest local government administrators during her time in office. If Solo were truly corrupt, why hasn’t his successor, General Farley, pursued prosecution or an audit?”, Gee said in his response.
Former Supt. Solo’s response said It’s disheartening to see blogs publish unverified information without credible sources, all in pursuit of likes and comments, saying it has become clear that these platforms prioritize tarnishing reputations over truth. “Let’s not allow this unjust vilification of a hardworking statesman continue unchecked!”, Solo’s response said.
But when contacted on the matter, Mr. Farley said he is not aware of the publication against Solo, but said the publication could be due to in-house fights amongst partisans of Unity Party of which former Superintendent Solo is a member.
“I have no knowledge concerning that group. I have no idea and have never made any statement. I don’t know the group or even their leader. I have not read that story but people have been calling me to give the same information you are giving me,” Farley to this paper.
Farley said he has no reasons to fight Solo because he took the office of superintendent from Solo when his party, the CDC, was elected, so if he had issues with Solo it should have been while he (Farley) was serving as superintendent. Thus the statement from Solo was out of ignorance.
