-For attempting to abandon predecessor’s unfinished projects
By: SHALLON S. GONLOR
NIMBA COUNTY — A group of concerned citizens of NimbaCounty are pending to come out in force to protest Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono’s decision to not develop projects left down by her predecessor.
More than hundreds of people, mostly youths attended the pending protest met in a secret gathering on Tuesday morning in Bahn City, Nimba District #7. The protest, according to the organizers aimed at the superintendent’s recent disclosure that her Administration and the County Council will not prioritize projects initiated by former Nimba County Superintendent, Nelson Korquoi’s Administration due to an ongoing audit on these projects.
Recently, the County Administration of Nimba by directive of Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono called for bids from competitive binders for over 60 projects funded County Social Development Fund (CSDF), leaving out most of those projects started by the past leadership of Frm Nelson Korquoi. According to Supt. Gono, any attempt to touch those unfinished questionable projects left by her predecessor may probably go against the county, particularly, her Administration.
She claimed that until the results of a recent audit conducted by the GAC can be released, her leadership does not know which projects are being completed, which ones the county still owes the contractors, and the contractors owe the county.
Adding that until these critical questions are addressed, she will not do any development projects in the county or improve projects left by past superintendents, while the official audit report is yet to be released. It can be recalled that on August 15, 2024, the General Auditing Commission (GAC) of Liberia through Supt. Gono began a comprehensive audit of the past County Administration of Nimba.
The holistic and full-scale audit of the Nimba County Administration covers the period of 2014 to 2024 with an expected report in August 2024. The audit aims to ensure efficiency and fairness in public funding and expenditures, with a focus on budget management, cash management, procurement procedures, and other areas.
But reviewing Superintendent Gono’s decision, the group of young Nimbains blasted the superintendent’s decision, calling on her to rethink and properly consult her allies, such that her action is not in favor of the county. The group further argued that the superintendent’s assertion is an intentional gameplay to squander opportunities for the county and its citizens.
Organizers also seeking signatures to petition Superintendent Gono to do the needful to proceed with development projects left down by past superintendents or be removed, hoping that the protest will create more awareness about some stickying issues surrounding the superintendent. Insiders told reporters and criticized the superintendent’s decision to stop the county’s social development and indicated that it is a political decision seemingly done to the detriment of the ordinary people.
They also noted that there is already enough space the county is desperately in need to meet development, adding that any action to compromise the county’s development over politics would be a gross disrespect and betrayal of trust and confidence reposed in her. The group of concerned Nimbains said they want to see the superintendent reverse her decision, but the public has to act. They further added that they remain disappointed by the superintendent’s decisions.
The most celebrated 24th Nimba Superintendent who resumed the post with praises and worship due to her love development is gradually declining in popularity as the result of her recent decision to halt the county social development initiatives. Supt. Gono ascended to the position with a high impression and vowed a flexible work aimed to effect transformative change in the county governance system. She committed herself to taking a proactive approach to navigate the uncertainty and improve flexible working for a better Nimba County.
However, what appeared to be a dramatic turn-off event for the superintendent is growing concerns, anxiety, stress, and ultimately, a decrease in her supporters. Supt. Gono’s early criticism is predicted to suffer her leadership prospects, that the county is again going to suffer the implications and consequences of uncertainty experienced under past superintendents’ administration governance.
