NIMBA'S VOTES Vs. ALLEGATIONS OF POLITICAL MARGINALIZATION: WILL DIVISION BRING CHANGE?

...Is it Politically correct and Developmentally Beneficial to divide Nimba...?

I have heard calls and resentments about whether NIMBA COUNTY should be DIVIDED OR NOT. The entire debate centered around two key variables;

1. Strength in Numbers; - the attraction for Political relevance Vs.
2. Power inbalance, Segregation, and Marginalization

Those who support ONE NIMBA argued based on Strength in Unity, as reflected in their decades of political relevance during times of elections. On the other hand....; proponents of a DIVIDED NIMBA also argued that, despite their so-called political relevance by the numbers, which is an attraction for political lobbyists who always ran to the county during times of election, it is not reflected in the lives of a bulk of the citizens, especially those in most lower remote parts of the county. Political relevance had never met the People’s expectations by Creating Jobs and ensuring equitable development. Also, for the most part, certain groups of people within the county remained marginalized for decades by those connected to the political powers.

BRIEF BACKGROUND:

As a county and people, Nimba has not been so overly interested in disintegration or sub-division until recent times. The County remained one of those sub-political divisions in Liberia that have resisted the temptation of corruption. During the Taylor administration, when Lofa and Grand Gedeh counties were being politically split into two counties each, Nimba resisted the pressure of disintegration.

  There is  serious historical anylysis on The Perspectives: written by Cllrs. Tiawan Saye Gongloe and Zaiye B. Dehkee, I on how the Nimbaians have lived, governed and hopes to pursue a future of Oneness, following calls by citizens of the county 

"Gbi and Doru residents feels like in Jail" -FPA

for division of the County owing to marginalization and a dictatorial form of leadership by local county officials.

Recent developments in the county suggest that more calls have surfaced, with some citizens said to be preparing a Bill for the boundary of the County. Both stakeholders, as well as Citizens from isolated communities and districts within the County, have cried and called for separation; the Gbi Doru people on one side…and the Mano and Dan (Gio) people on another; with counterclaims of being marginalized when it comes to political appointments, distribution of resources and development prioritization.

The County is in the northeastern part of Liberia and shares borders with the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire in the East and the Republic of Guinea in the Northeast with six statutory districts.  With the tallest mountain, the Neinbaa Tohn Mountain, Nimba is also bordered by Bong and Grand Bassa counties to the west, Rivercess County to the southwest, and Grand Gedeh County to the southeast. Nimba is one of Liberia’s most diverse and fast-growing counties, with people from all over Liberia and West Africa now residing in Nimba. It has taken a cosmopolitan melting point in Liberia, with Ganta becoming the second city in Liberia as its population soars and the business class expands. Access to health care has increased with six hospitals and 74 health facilities.

MY OPINION:

 I think it is Politically correct; Peace and Developmentally Beneficial to divide Nimba County into two halves Upper and Lower Nimba Counties, as this could possibly solve the long standing concerns of Marginalization, Segregation, Nepotism and power imbalance...!!

Given the current circumstances, political maneuvers, and marginalization allegations, which tend to brew conflict and undermine holistic development, a DIVIDED NIMBA will do more good for the County than a BIG LONG. NIMBA COUNTY with 17 scattered and unmanageable Districts....!!! 

 The political sub-demarcation of a landmark is constitutionally defined and necessary for local administration's effectiveness. This should have nothing to do whatsoever with people, tribes, or the feelings of others. No matter where you find yourself during the demarcation, that land will remain yours. A political distinction should not change who you are or how you relate to each other as citizens of one country or county. If there are unresolved LAND conflicts and other unrelated issues to the call for this sub-division, whether you find yourself in Lower Nimba or Upper Nimba, or West and East Nima......you will still have to justifiably or legally prove ownership of wherever you occupy. 

FIVE POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES:

Here are five key reasons that necessitated my opinion for a divided Nimba County, in hopes that this would bring about active participation, inclusion, peace, and inspire competitive development;

1. DEVELOPMENT - a divided Nimba will double development prospects; that means every effort put in will double. All resources will double, Manpower will Double, Budget will double (or increase by more than 50%).......which will cause fast growth and development

2. EMPLOYMENT - Creating another Nimba County will automatically create jobs for many Nimbains,....you do not need to depend anymore or exclusively on VOTES and hope at the mercy of political favor to empower or employ the majority of your people. 

3. BENEFIT FROM RESOURCES - once the law allows you to divide Nimba into two, your Social Development Funds increase / double whatever resources that came from the county will now be spent more on the county than before.....thereby cleverly allowing your people to benefit from their natural resources without central government administration feeling biases in allocation or redistribution of the Nation's wealth. 

4. MINIMIZE CORRUPTION - transparency in governance brings about long-term development and prosperity. Once the size of the county is leveled and with an increased workforce.....it will be easier for administrators from either end to reasonably manage their smaller number of constituents....as the burden of adequately planning, setting indicators, and monitoring targets will become lesser.

5. PEACE AND STABILITY - If partitioning the county will bring to an end the persistence of domination, suppression, marginalization, and neglect by the few politically connected, and ensure active participation, share prosperity and peace; then let;s go for it..!. A divided Nimba in such context will certainly give administrators the opportunity to effectively coordinate allocated resources to benefit its citizens. This will reduce the pressure on who gets what or what goes where. Both New and Old Nimba Counties will now have a lesser amount of people and constituents and issues to deal with separately. 

WHAT PROPONENTS MUST KNOW:

Let me equally warn proponents of a DIVIDED NIMBA COUNTY, to be aware that, with CHANGE, development or opportunities will not be automatic. Hence, let's base our expectations on healthy and reasonable REALITIES; void of the unnecessary justifications centering solely around Tribal sentiments and unreasonable benefits. There are always certain things that will never change automatically, whether you turn out to be in Lower Nimba or Upper Nimba;

• Scarce resources - the available resources will never cover everybody at the same time and there will always be people who will find themselves somehow around or outside of the bracket.  Remember that everything has time. If you need something, you have to work towards it.

• Government Jobs - are never sufficient for everybody. In whatever case, political appointments are based on confidence, interest, and other special conditions, in addition to qualification and experience. 

CONCLUSION: 

The call for change and sub-demarcation of the County as necessitated by the need for Social and Political Equality is genuine, primarily for ordinary citizens whose survival is tied to such a state where all people can have the same opportunity and standing in certain respects. This includes involvement in shared prosperity, property rights, and equal access to social goods and services of their beloved County.

However, we must understand that Equal Opportunity is sometimes measured given individual abilities, compatible with a given context. Whatever your case, whether you find yourself lucky or not...whether you are in the bracket or not....we all have to stay positive and keep trying and playing our cards well. 

LET'S PROCEED WITH A BILL TO DIVIDE NIMBA NOW..!!

IMPORTANT LINKS:

1.  Nimba Tribal Dispute Depends - Daily Observer

2. Citizens Urged to Resolved Internal Conflict - Monrovia Inquirer

3. Claim of Marginalization a Political Game - The Perspectives