Recent tensions have flared between two prominent political figures in Grand Bassa County, potentially jeopardizing their future collaboration.
Initially, Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence launched a pointed critique against former Representative Vincent S.T. Willie regarding his six-year leadership of Wee Statutory District.
Speaking at a voter appreciation rally in Wayzohn City on Saturday, July 13, 2024, Senator Lawrence condemned Willie’s leadership, alleging that his tenure turned the district into a hostile environment marked by disrespect and conflict.
“When Hon. Byron Browne was Representative for this district, I did not have to come here because we had a representative to work with. After Byron Browne, this district became a battle district, hostility, disrespect. I was a victim, especially as I am a daughter of this district,” stated Lawrence.
Despite her strong words, Senator Lawrence did not provide specific examples of how the district was transformed into a battleground or detail how she was victimized during Willie’s tenure.
There are no documented incidents of hostility between Representative Willie’s camp and Senator Lawrence during his time in office from 2018 to 2024 or throughout the 2023 election period.
Both Lawrence and Senator Gbehzongar Findley campaigned vigorously against Willie, who was an independent candidate supporting former President George Weah. Willie lost the election to Alfred Flomo by less than 300 votes.
In response, former Representative Willie expressed respect for Senator Lawrence’s position as leader of the Liberian Senate and refrained from engaging in a public feud.
He emphasized that Lawrence should focus on addressing the administrative inadequacies and allegations of mismanagement under her leadership.
“She’s hurt because we took our side by supporting Weah and we defeated her Rescue Team twice in Bassa. Also, my actions of sending young people outside for studies have pushed her and others to do the same, something she never did in her first nine years of leadership,” Willie remarked.
Willie suggested that Lawrence’s criticisms are motivated by fear of his potential impact on her future political aspirations.
“We are aware that she is deeply afraid that we might be an embarrassment to her Presidential or Vice Presidential quest come 2029, that’s why she has initiated an early fight,” he added.
Willie defended his record, highlighting significant accomplishments during his tenure. “Under my leadership, we built the first-ever bridge to connect Compound #3 and the LAC Plantation, built bridges across the district, and connected farm-to-market roads far more than any other lawmaker has ever done. We lobbied with ArcelorMittal to build the Kpu Town public school, ensured the hospital received budgetary allocation for the first time ever, built markets, teacher quarters, and elevated the Gardour Town Public to a senior high.”
Former Representative Viscent Willie also noted his efforts in securing educational opportunities for district residents. “I sent people for training and negotiated scholarships for students from our district to go to China, Morocco, Ghana, and other places. Some of them have even returned with master’s degrees. This is what matters to me more than anything else,” he said.
Former Representative Willie challenged Pro-Tempore Lawrence to substantiate her claims with evidence. He stressed the importance of unity and fact-based discourse among Liberian leaders, particularly those in positions of significant influence like Lawrence.
“Given the outcome of the 2023 elections, it is important for leaders to strive for unity among all Liberians, speak with less emotion, and back their comments with facts, especially for someone like Madam Pro Tempore who heads the House of Elders,” Willie concluded.
