Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono has downplayed political tensions among some of the county’s top leaders, saying their differences are not as serious as they may appear to the public.
Gono’s comments come amid growing political discussions involving Nimba County Senator Samuel Kogar, Vice President Jeremiah Koung and other political figures from the county.
The issue gained attention after allegations surfaced that lawmakers received US$10,000 each from the superintendent as a bribe.
Gono denied the allegation, saying the money was approved by the County Council for constituency activities and paid through cheques from the Central Bank of Liberia.
Speaking Tuesday on OK FM in Monrovia, Gono said Nimba’s leaders have a history of putting the county’s interests first when important issues arise.
“When Nimba has to stand, we stand together,” she said.
According to Gono, political leaders may disagree publicly or support different political interests without having serious personal problems with one another.
She said her own dealings with political leaders have shown her that some of the tensions seen by the public are often exaggerated by supporters.
Gono also appealed to young people, particularly those active on social media, not to allow political arguments to distract them from their education and future.
“Focus on your education. Politics is a good thing, but steady you,” she said.
Gono said her relationship with Senator Samuel Kogar remains cordial despite their different political interests.
She pointed to their private conversations, attendance at each other’s birthday celebrations and discussions about the need for unity in Nimba.
The superintendent said she sometimes listens to Kogar’s radio interviews and calls him afterward to joke about some of the things he says on air.
She said these private interactions are often unknown to political supporters, who may assume that public disagreements mean the leaders are enemies.
