GANTA – A major shift in Nimba County’s political landscape appears imminent following the formation of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) by Representative Musa Hassan Bility. The move could significantly alter the county’s power dynamics, challenging the dominance of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung in his home region.
Bility, a first-term lawmaker, has swiftly risen to prominence in both the national legislature and Nimba County. His financial clout and strategic political moves, including his leadership of the “Rule of Law Caucus” at the Capitol and extensive road construction projects across Nimba, have bolstered his influence. With the creation of CMC, he is poised to further consolidate power in the county, potentially at the expense of the Vice President.
The formation of CMC has sparked speculation about its impact on Koung’s political stronghold. Bility’s rise represents a direct challenge to the VP, whose influence in Nimba has been a critical pillar of his national stature. At the party’s first national convention in Saclepea, Nimba County, Bility was elected as the standard bearer. The event attracted partisans, sympathizers, political leaders, and local aspirants, signaling strong grassroots momentum.
A Direct Threat to the Vice President’s Hold on Nimba
In his acceptance speech, Bility launched a scathing critique of the ruling Unity Party, accusing it of neglecting the needs of Nimbaians despite their overwhelming support in the 2023 elections. He framed CMC as a vehicle for grassroots empowerment, stating:
“I have come to realize that true change cannot come from the top unless the people own it, demand it, and drive it forward by themselves – that is why we are here today. We are here to start a new system where Liberians will be not just spectators, but participants in building their own nation.”
Bility’s defection from the Liberty Party and his departure from the defunct Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) have further fueled speculation about his ambitions. His new movement is expected to disrupt the county’s traditional political alignments and could erode Koung’s voter base.
A key factor in this shift is the absence of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, who was long regarded as Nimba’s political godfather. Johnson’s support was instrumental in Koung’s political ascension, having backed him in multiple elections, including his 2011 win on the National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP) ticket, his 2017 re-election as a representative, and his 2020 senatorial victory. Without Johnson’s influence, Koung’s political security in the county now appears vulnerable.
The emergence of CMC could fragment the Nimba vote, diminishing the Vice President’s once-unquestioned dominance and altering his leverage in national politics. Some local politicians aligned with Koung may also defect to Bility, drawn by his financial backing and infrastructure projects.
The Road Ahead for CMC
Despite its promising start, CMC faces the formidable challenge of expanding its support beyond Nimba. To cement itself as a major political force, the party must build a robust nationwide network and attract prominent political figures. If it fails to gain traction outside Nimba, it risks becoming another regional party with limited national influence.
Bility’s bold political move has set the stage for an intense power struggle in Nimba County, with ramifications extending to the national political arena. Whether CMC will emerge as a formidable political force or merely a regional disruptor remains to be seen.
Discussion about this post