Published: October 29, 2025
COOPER FARM, Margibi County — A jubilant crowd of supporters from across Margibi County and beyond gathered over the weekend at the Cooper Farm residence of Senator James Emmanuel Nuquay to celebrate his 57th birthday — an occasion that turned into a reaffirmation of his enduring promise to serve the people of Margibi and Liberia. Senator Nuquay, a towering figure in Margibi’s political landscape, was lauded by citizens and institutions for his long-standing contributions to public service, community development, and humanitarian causes.
During the event, several attendees delivered emotional tributes, recounting moments when the senator’s generosity touched their lives. One woman moved the crowd to tears as she shared how Nuquay had paid her son’s medical bills despite not knowing her family personally.
Visibly emotional, the senator responded with gratitude and humility. “We are honored by your presence and grateful to all of you for being here,” Nuquay told the crowd. “You know we are in politics because of you. We came to serve. All that we try to do is live up to your expectations, because when you entrust us with your votes, you expect us to work for you.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to improving the living conditions of Liberians—particularly those in Margibi—and to supporting institutions that uplift communities across the county. A Political Journey Rooted in Service Nuquay’s political career began in 2005 through the Gbaisue Campaign Team—now the Gbaisue Development Association—representing Margibi County District 1.
After redistricting in 2011, most of his original constituency became part of District 5. Over his two terms in the House of Representatives, Nuquay emerged as one of Liberia’s most influential lawmakers. He chaired the powerful Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance for eight years before being elected Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2016 on a white ballot—a testament to his bipartisan appeal.
In 2017, he rose to national prominence as the running mate to then–Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on the Unity Party ticket. Though the pair lost to George Weah’s Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Nuquay’s political relevance endured. Following the election, President Weah appointed him Director General of the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA), a post he resigned from in 2020 to contest the Margibi senatorial seat—which he won decisively.
The Making of a Margibi Powerhouse Nuquay’s rise reflects Margibi’s own political evolution. A former Quality Assurance Officer at the Weala Rubber Company, he first entered politics under the Gbaisue Movement—meaning “Reserve Corn” in Kpelle, symbolizing preparedness and sustenance. Against the odds, he won his first election in 2005, defeating prominent figures including Professor Dao Ansu Sonii, then a senior faculty member at the University of Liberia.
His re-election in 2011 solidified his standing as a dominant force in the county’s politics. During his legislative tenure, Nuquay became known for his pragmatic leadership and ability to build consensus across political lines. His election as Speaker during the final years of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration marked the peak of his legislative influence. His 2020 senatorial victory marked a comeback that reaffirmed his deep grassroots connection.
Supporters say his potential re-election in 2029 would make him one of Liberia’s longest-serving elected officials—nearly three decades of continuous public service. “We Want 30 Years” At the birthday celebration, Prince Okon, a leading figure in the People’s Unification Party (PUP), announced plans to head Nuquay’s re-election campaign under the slogan “We Want 30 Years.”
He described the senator as “irreplaceable” and praised his “selfless, humanitarian, and development-oriented leadership.” Many attendees echoed the sentiment, pledging continued loyalty to Nuquay and his vision for Margibi. For most guests, the birthday gathering was more than a celebration — it was a statement of solidarity and shared history. As one supporter put it, “Senator Nuquay’s story is our story. He has grown with us, and we have grown with him.”
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