Gbarnga, Liberia ~ In a significant political shift, Representative Marvin Cole of Bong County’s District Three has officially joined the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), led by Musa Hassan Bility of Nimba County’s District Seven. The move follows what Cole described as neglect and abandonment by his former party, the National Patriotic Party (NPP).
Speaking during a ceremony held at his residence in Gbarnga on Saturday, Cole ~ flanked by Bility and a large crowd of supporters ~ expressed deep dissatisfaction with both the NPP and the ruling Unity Party. He accused the Unity Party government of falsely implicating him in an arson case related to the Capitol Building and claimed that NPP Chairman George Mulbah supported the allegations.
“The Unity Party government lied and said I was among those who burned the Capitol Building,” Cole stated, referencing a recent police investigation. “I was taken to jail, and the NPP Chairman told the public he supported the Unity Party’s claim that I was guilty.”
Cole criticized both parties for what he described as a conspiracy to damage his political reputation. He credited Bility and the CMC for standing by him during his lowest moments.
“When my radio station broke down, a humble man came to help me—that man was Musa Hassan Bility. He rescued me,” Cole shared emotionally.
Cole officially resigned from the NPP on January 23, 2024, citing constitutional violations and a lack of due process following his suspension by party leadership. Despite his prior support for former President George Weah, Cole chose not to join the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the lead party in Weah’s Coalition for Democratic Change.
With the CMC, Cole now aims to build political momentum in Bong County, a key battleground in Liberia’s political landscape. Bility welcomed Cole to the party by appointing him as National Vice Chair for Operations and presenting him with a new four-door JAC pickup truck to support grassroots mobilization.
I’ve always wished to have Hon. Cole on my team,” Bility remarked. “When I see a good leader ~ one who truly cares about his people ~ I recognize it.” He added that at the Capitol Building, Cole consistently championed better services for the citizens of District #3.
Bility also noted his surprise at the large turnout of Cole’s supporters during the ceremony, describing it as a clear sign of the lawmaker’s influence. He reiterated his confidence in Cole’s ability to mobilize support ahead of the 2029 elections.
As part of his broader strategy, Bility declared Bong County the “regional capital” of the party, underscoring the county’s growing political significance.
