By Jeremiah Gayflor
A political clash has emerged in Nimba County, as Representatives Twain Gleekia of District #6 and Taa Z. Wongbe of District #9 issue conflicting claims over who secured the ongoing rehabilitation of the Graie–Toweh Town road.
The project, currently being executed by a contractor under the Ministry of Public Works, commenced shortly after the China Railway Seventh Group intensified its operations in the area.
Representative Twain Gleekia of District #6 says the intervention was triggered by his direct appeal to Vice President Jeremiah Koung in the wake of the death of Paramount Chief Franklin Toweh. According to Gleekia, the Vice President subsequently reached out to the Ministry of Public Works, prompting the immediate dispatch of equipment and workers to begin restoring the deteriorating route. In a strongly worded Facebook statement, he dismissed suggestions that the initiative stemmed from lobbying efforts by his colleague, Rep. Taa Z. Wongbe of District #9.
Gleekia urged Rep. Wongbe to withdraw what he described as an inaccurate claim and cautioned against turning development efforts into political competition. He extended appreciation to both Vice President Koung and Public Works Minister Roland Giddings for what he said was timely action on the matter.
But Rep. Wongbe insists his office played a pivotal role. To support his position, he has circulated a February 5 communication sent to the House of Representatives in which he listed the Graie–Toweh Town road among four development projects for which he was seeking government assistance. In that letter, he requested materials for school, clinic, and road projects aimed at improving education, health services, and transportation conditions for District #9 residents.
The conflicting narratives have stirred confusion among citizens, many of whom say they simply want clarity and consistency as the rainy season draws near—a period when poor road conditions can severely disrupt travel and economic activities.
As it stands, residents across both districts say they welcome the rehabilitation effort and hope their leaders shift attention away from political credit and toward sustaining development in the county.
