Margibi County Senator Nathaniel McGill has been caught on a leaked audio abandoning his campaign promise to pave the Gibi and Bulorquelleh roads in Districts #4 and #5.
The promise, made during the 2023 General and Presidential elections, was pivotal in securing his senatorial victory but now appears to be yet another political ruse, leaving the citizens of Margibi in dismay and outrage.
During the intense 2023 election campaign, McGill vowed to single-handedly pave the critical Gibi and Bulorquelleh roads if elected.
This promise was a significant draw for voters in these districts, who have long suffered from poor road conditions that hinder access to essential services and economic opportunities.
However, just months after taking office, the senator’s commitment seems to have evaporated, as evidenced by a leaked audio recording obtained by Verity.
In the leaked audio which this paper came across, McGill is heard justifying his abandonment of the road projects, citing the defeat of former President George Weah as a reason.
“The place I took the road and the place that road stopped, even if I stopped there and say I don’t have money now, da crime that I commit for my name to be in your mouth.,” McGill is heard saying.
He further deflected responsibility onto President Joseph Boakai, stating, “Other people saying la man na forget about the road because George Weah didn’t win, da Joseph Boakai in power so da his work to carry road across the country.”
Nathaniel McGill, who served as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs under President George Weah, resigned from his position following sanctions by the U.S. Treasury Department for alleged involvement in massive corruption.
Despite these accusations, McGill managed to secure a senatorial seat in Margibi County, amidst a contentious campaign where his eligibility was challenged by many, given his roots in Gbarpolu County.
Some Margibi citizens campaigned against McGill, arguing that he should contest in his home county.
Others believed in his constitutional right to run for office anywhere in Liberia, provided he was elected by the people.
Regardless of these debates, his victory now seems tainted by unfulfilled promises and political maneuvering.
The leaked audio has sparked widespread discontent among the citizens of Gibi and Bulorquelleh, as well as other residents of Margibi County.
Many feel betrayed by McGill’s failure to deliver on his campaign promise and his attempt to shift blame onto the new administration.
“Senator McGill should not be holding President Boakai responsible for a project he promised to do for the citizens. He should lobby and fulfill his promises,” said a frustrated resident.
The roads, which have deteriorated further since the election, are crucial for the daily lives of the local population.
The damaged roads hinder transportation, making it difficult for residents to access the county capital, Kakata, and affecting their ability to transport goods and services.
Adding fuel to the fire, the leaked audio also captures McGill issuing threats to a journalist, who had criticized McGill during the 2023 election.
Senator McGill warned Delgeh to desist from his criticisms or face repercussions. “Your say all kinds of things about me during the election, your na tired, I na small man that people can just put mouth on and go free,” McGill threatened, revealing a disturbing misuse of power and an intolerance for dissent.
The abandonment of the road projects has broader implications for governance and accountability in Liberia.
It highlights the perennial challenge of politicians making grand promises during campaigns, only to neglect them once in office.
This behavior erodes public trust and hinders progress, particularly in essential areas such as infrastructure development.
The citizens of Margibi are calling on Senator McGill to honor his commitments and resume the road projects.
They argue that infrastructure development, including road construction, is not just a campaign promise but a necessity for economic growth and social development.
The ARREST Agenda of President Boakai underscores the importance of road infrastructure, emphasizing its role in enabling citizens to transport goods and access services, thereby improving their livelihoods.
As the fallout from the leaked audio continues, the pressure mounts on Senator McGill to address the grievances of his constituents.
His political future and the trust of the people of Margibi County hang in the balance.
It remains to be seen whether McGill will heed the calls for accountability and fulfill his campaign promises or continue to evade responsibility, leaving the citizens of Margibi to bear the brunt of broken promises and neglected duties.
By: Stanley K. Johnson/Correspondent
