BY: Shallon S.Gonlor
NIMBA COUNTY — Nimba County Former Senator, Thomas Grupee has announced his comeback to contest for the senatorial by-election in the county.
The senatorial by-election comes as a result of the election of Senator Jeremiah Kpan Koung as Vice President of Liberia.
The Liberia National Elections Commission (NEC) has announced April 23, 2024, as the date for the Senatorial by-election in Nimba County and Representative by-election in Grand Gedeh County semontinously.
Speaking upon arrival in Ganta City, Nimba County, Grupeesaid, his return to the seat is in order to continue with his development initiatives and social services delivery to the people of Nimba after previously serving in the seat for 9 years.
He furthered that the welfare of citizens and the county were his major priority when her occupied the Senate position in 2011 before being unseated by VP Koung in the December 2020 Special Senatorial Elections.
Addressing the media, Former Senator Grupee however rallies support for his comeback, disclosing several plans to improve citizens livelihood, naming education, health, roads and adequate representations.
The former Nimba Senator returns from abroad after recovering from health complications has made public his reappearance on the political stage, saying he’s about vigorously embark on a county-wide consultation with youth groups and potential stakeholders to champion his campaign message, which according to him will inform his decision to the Senate.
Grupee was elected 2011 as Nimba Senator. He won on the support of Senator Prince Johnson but their relationship has since broken.
In his latter days after his election in 2011, Grupee falled prey to illness that kept him out of the country for several months, making his re-election in the 2020 Special Senatorial Elections a difficult one, causing his defeat to Senator Jeremiah Koung now Liberia’s Vice President.
He further appealed to the consciences of the people of Nimbanot to allow themselves to be moved by sentiments or tribal affiliation, something he said is not healthy for the struggling democracy.
In the wake of his confidence, Grupee has huge task ahead as he faces the likes of Nimba County District #5 incumbent Representative Samuel Kogar, Nyan D. Twayen, Jr., B. Mack Gblinwon, Armstrong Gobac Selekpoh among several names to contest in the County’s Senatorial By-election.
BY-ELECTION ASPIRANTS
Nimba County District #5 Representative Samuel Korgar has expressed his interest in becoming the next Senator of Nimba. As a third-term lawmaker in the 2023 election, Rep. Korgar sees himself as best suited for the position based on his experience and competency.
He is optimistic about becoming the Senator because he is the only long serving lawmaker of Nimba County next to Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.
Unlike Korgar, who’s serving his third term, Nyan D. Twayen, Jr. has to his advantage the support of the Nimba “God father” Prince Johnson and Vice President Koung. Twayen, Jr. is believed to be supported by his ruling UP-MDR alliance and by extension 50 precent of the county’s voting population.
The youthful influential leader expressed his dedication to improving healthcare in his constituency, citing past initiatives like the donation of essential drugs to various hospitals, clinics as well as donation of copy books to school-going kids in the county.
Twayen, Jr is an experienced public servant with 15 years of work experience. He served as director of Youth Service, Ministry of Youth and Sports and was later appointed as Assistant Minister for Youth Service – a position he held before leaving for graduate school abroad.
B. Mack Gblinwon, Nimba County Inspector believes his human relationship over the years has gained him popularity to go to the race. He added that soliciting the votes along with other alliances he has built over the years will be crucial.
Aspirant Armstrong Gobac Selekpoh, contention is that if elected as senator, he will bring huge economic benefits to the County and its people. He named his connection with the young people and other alignments as some of the key hopes he has to make his way at the 56th Legislature.
Armstrong has contested in several elections in Nimba including Nimba County Electoral District #3 in 2017, 2020 December Special Senatorial Election, and the 2023 Senatorial Election, but conceded defeat.
Based on his experience during these elections and the level of work he has done with citizens, he is sure of nothing less than victory.
