An Opinion by Joseph N. Tamba, Jr., Independent Observer
By constitutionality (our Organic Law) it is the cardinal responsibility of a Law-maker to carry out the function of Representation, Law-making, and Oversight. In performing their responsibilities as “Representatives” of their various constituencies, politicians have indoctrinated our thought process of narrowing their duties to these three (3) ambiguous words (Representation, Law-making, and Oversight).
However, considering contemporary times while examining our numerous challenges as a nation most specifically in infrastructure; Representatives have been personally and actively involved in the developmental framework as per our budget laws since 2006 when budgetary allotments were apportioned to counties for development purposes.
Additionally, lawmakers have allotted themselves funding for constituencies’ development projects and despite the finances, they have acquired over time yet there are few that can be recognized for their leadership role in financing projects in their districts and counties. There has been very little or no impact by many representatives to assist projects financially for the better good of the masses in their districts and counties in the face of hardship increasing day by day.
With that being said, this gives me the impetus to recognize and distinguish an astute leader par excellence Honorable Johnson N. Gwaikolo, who has demonstrated beyond goodwill to actively engage his constituency in developmental projects that are contributing in an enormous way to reduce hardship on his people despite the huge road network challenges in District #9, Nimba County. My recognition of his impactful workings is in reference to my recent trip to Nimba County, district nine (the region of Yar-mensonnoh, Blilon, Gbi & Doe) in July; considering his Excellency President George M. Weah’s visitation to that region, bringing limelight to the Gbi & Dorue during his county tour.
As an independent observer geared towards undertaking social-political civic education comes 2023 that serves as enlightenment to the electorate to make rightful decisions, I have thought it expedient to embark on this journey; endeavoring to assess the representative engagement with his people as we draw closer to electioneering year. However, it was intriguing to know Hon. Gwaikolo is exceedingly held in high esteem and loved by his people due to his interpersonal relationship and workings with his people on different levels.
I was opportune to have visited several towns and villages within the district on motorbikes (being the major means of transport) and realize several developmental projects undertaken by Hon. Gwaikolo. As shown in the pictorial, from construction to renovation and refurbishing of school buildings as well as supplying clinics and government-owned hospitals including private clinics with mattresses and drugs.
There are two major projects he implemented that I considered a landmark project due to the funding involved and the durability of those projects. The construction of the largest ferry (estimated cost to be around US$73-80 thousand) in Liberia that can transport a six-eight-tier truck across the Saint John River that borders Bong and Nimba County is one of the two projects. The second one is a construction of a bridge that links two of the remotest villages, Dorpa and Boyee in the Blilon region with the estimated cost of the bridge should be around US$54-60 thousand.
He also constructed the first radio station and also a recording studio in Zekepah, Zehnla region. His projects are countless, including assisting inhabitants with construction materials for their dwelling homes in almost every villages and towns I visited. I am requesting and appealing to every beloved Nimbians and Liberians to join me and commend Hon. Gwaikolo for his diligent and graceful accomplishments to his people while engaging him to heighten representation of his district. We say bravo Hon. Gwaikolo and continue to emancipate your people from enduring hardship that will lighten their livelihood.
