Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono says the recent disbursement of about US$10,000 to members of the Nimba Legislative Caucus was lawful and approved under the county’s budget.
Speaking on Thursday’s edition of OK Morning Rush, Gono said the funds were allocated under the county’s legislative engagement budget and approved by the Nimba County Council. She said the money is intended to support lawmakers as they travel across the county, inspect development projects, meet with residents, and carry out their oversight responsibilities.
“There is nothing secret about these payments. They are part of the county’s approved budget and were authorized by the County Council,” Gono said.
Responding to criticism over the timing of the payments, Gono said the county only recently received its budget allotment from the Ministry of Finance, dismissing suggestions that the disbursement was linked to the ongoing district league.
She also rejected claims that the payments were meant to influence lawmakers, saying legislative engagement funds have existed in previous county budgets. According to her, the controversy grew after Representative Musa Hassan Bility disclosed that he used part of his allocation to support his district football team.
Gono revealed that Bility had earlier requested county funding for the district league, but the request was turned down because the budget had already been approved and could not be altered.
She said lawmakers receive the funds through formal requests and Central Bank-issued cheques, adding that they are expected to submit reports on how the money is spent.
“Once the County Council approves the budget, we are required to implement it. Refusing to release funds that have been legally appropriated would be a violation of the law,” she said.
Gono acknowledged the public criticism but maintained that the payments were made in line with the approved county budget and existing financial procedures.
