Ramsey N Singbeh Jr
director@news.throngtalk.com
+231880147358 / 772641146
Some loyalists and long time supporters of the ruling Unity Party (UP) in Margibi are expressing strong dissatisfaction with what they see and term as neglect and exclusion from government appointments under President Boakai’s administration.
Margibi as a county came third place in ranking amongst counties that hugely supported Mr. Boakai in 2023 and this is one of their (supporters’) major claims.
They say despite delivering one of the highest votes for the party in the 2023 general elections, Margibi County has not received fair representation from the government.
Speaking recently at his residence along the Bong Mines Roadbin Kakaka, Margibi County, Joseph Jimmy Sankaituah who is a former Unity Party candidate for Margibi District #4 and noted grassroots mobilizer, emphasized the critical and essential roles Margibi played in insuring that the UP achieved elections in 2023.
“Margibi delivered one of the highest votes for Unity Party during the 2023 general elections,” Sankaituah maintained. He wants this massive electoral support be transmogrified into equitable representation within the government, elaborating that Margibians “invested a lot” in the party’s success.
Sankaituah recounted how he personally spearheaded vigorous vote mobilization campaigns without financial or material support from the party leadership.
Highlighting District Four’s impressive 52% vote share for the UP and a 4,530-vote margin in the runoff against the CDC, he reminded that he had even encouraged voters to support Boakai over himself and former President Weah—an appeal voters honored.
Despite these efforts, Sankaituah lamented the sparse government appointments from Margibi, expressing frustration but also acknowledging the excessive fight for job in the county and Liberia in the early stages of government formation that undermined Margibi’s ability to have sufficient representation in government.
He welcomed the recent admission by the Minister of Internal Affairs during the induction of the county superintendent that Margibi has yet to reap its deserved share of political appointments connected to its electoral contributions.
Sankaituah highlighted a recent missed opportunity in the deputy minister for Urban Affairs post, left vacant after a resignation, when John Z. Buway Sr., a former government official with over a decade of experience was overlooked for an “unknown” party member’s appointment.
“This shows a continued inability of the Unity Party government to appreciate Margibi County’s contributions,” Sankaituah said bluntly.
Looking ahead to the 2029 elections, Sankaituah expressed fear of struggling to convince people about the party in 2029 like he did in 2023, blaming it on the lack of assets and resources at the time. “I don’t want 2017 to be repeated because 2017 was disastrous for Unity Party,” he asserted.
He said despite submitting CVs of qualified Margibians, the party leadership purportedly ignored them, favoring counties like Bong and Grand Bassa that delivered fewer votes but secured larger governmental representation.
Nonetheless, Sankaituah praised President Boakai’s leadership and ongoing development projects such as the road pavement initiatives in Kakata, describing them as positive signs for the county.
Alice Bombo, another grassroots UP loyalist from Margibi, amplified the call for recognition through social media, condemning the party’s disregard. She revealed that high-ranking officials have blocked communication with many loyal supporters, effectively cutting them off.
Highlighting her own contributions including restructuring party leadership in River Gee County, Bombo warned that her loyalty is being tested.
“We are the ones who worked for what you are enjoying today. Political dividends are given here on earth to whoever worked for it,” Bombo stated emphatically, pleading directly with President Boakai to reconsider Margibi’s marginalization. She stressed that John Z. Buway Sr. deserves an appointment given his deep knowledge of the county’s UP base.
Another Margibian, Edwin QuoiQuoi Lombeh Jr. recounted the extreme hardships endured by local loyalists, praising Buway’s relentless efforts in transporting voters and rallying support despite difficult conditions.
Lombeh predicted growing disenchantment if political insiders like Kanio—who previously doubted Boakai’s prospects—receive government posts while grassroots activists remain sidelined.
“Mark my words: soon Kanio will get a job, while those who suffered remain jobless and forgotten,” Lombeh cautioned.
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