Disenchanted UP’s Bong County Enthusiasts Seeks Superintendent Dismissal

Monrovia, Liberia: The grounds of the Administrative Building in Central Liberia's Bong County were a scene of chaos when some aggrieved supporters of the ruling Unity Party besieged the office of Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris, demanding her immediate resignation.

The disenchanted partisans, under the nomenclature of “staunch loyalists of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai,” accused Superintendent Norris of neglecting the interests of grassroots supporters who they claim were instrumental in securing the party’s victory during the 2023 general elections.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “We want a superintendent who suffered with us” and “Loyalty deserves reward,” the angry youthful partisans voiced their frustration over what they described as systemic marginalization of party faithful in favor of individuals with no established ties to the UP.

The group spokesperson, George Flomo, reading a petition, alleged that since taking office, Superintendent Norris has consistently failed to recommend or appoint known UP loyalists to influential county-level positions.

“This is a betrayal of the sacrifices we made for the Unity Party,” Flomo declared. “We labored in the rain and sun to ensure victory, but today we are being sidelined.”

Adding fuel to the protest is a recent and controversial donation from President Boakai—a vehicle gifted to Reverend James S. Paye of Christ Vision International Ministries in Gbarnga.

K-NEWS gathered that several UP supporters in Bong County considered Reverend Paye, a close associate of Superintendent Norris, a political outsider who did not align with the UP quest for the presidency in the 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections.

The angry protesters argue that President Boakai’s public gesture toward Reverend Paye symbolizes an increasing influence of non-UP affiliates within Bong County’s local governance structure, a trend they say is sidelining loyal party supporters.

One protester, who spoke under condition of anonymity, warned that such actions could deepen existing divisions within the Unity Party.

“This kind of favoritism will only hinder our unity in Bong County. We need leaders who recognize those who stood by the party during difficult times,” the protester said.

The protestors also expressed concern about Rev. Paye’s frequent presence near the superintendent’s office, describing it as a “threat to equitable access to government opportunities.” They called for a swift replacement of Superintendent Norris with a figure they termed a “loyal partisan.”

Accepting the petition on behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Regional Gender Coordinator for Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties, Mrs. Viola Cooper-Teamah, acknowledged the concerns and made a brief statement encouraging dialogue and patience as the matter is reviewed.

Security personnel from the Bong County Police Detachment monitored the protest closely but reported no violence or arrests. The demonstration remained peaceful throughout the morning hours.

As of press time, Superintendent Hawa Norris had not responded publicly to the allegations. Efforts to reach her for comment were unsuccessful.

This development highlights growing intra-party tensions and raises questions about how the Unity Party will manage political patronage and loyalty in the post-election period. With grassroots support crucial for maintaining political stability, many now look to President Boakai and the party’s national leadership for a response that could either ease tensions or further inflame them in one of the ruling party’s key strongholds.