By: Frank P. Martin
BELEFANAI: A group of traditional leaders in Bong County has endorsed the political marriage involving Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe and Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo of Nimba and Bong Counties respectively.
The traditional leaders made the decision after Cllr Gongloe, who is the standard bearer of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP), selected a son of Bong County, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, as a his running-mate for the October 10 Presidential and Legislative elections.
In October, Liberians will elect 73 individuals to the Country’s House of Representatives and 15 other individuals to the Senate.
It was a scene of attraction over the weekend in rural Bong County, specifically in Belefanai Town, Zota District, where the traditional leaders gathered to thank and bless the LPP political leader and his running –mate.
The event also attracted the participation of Elders, Women, Commissioners, Clan chiefs, and Youth representatives, among others of Bong County.
At the occasion, Cllr. Tiawan S. Gongloe, commonly known as “Broom 1” explained to the citizens of Bong that he needed someone who is hard working with demonstrated commitment to national service with high level of integrity and patriotism.
Gongloe also believes that the son of Bong County, Dr. Emmanuel Yarkpawolo, brings such positive attributes to the team.
“I am here today because you have a black-diamond that I have seen and that which in want”, Gongloe told the gathering.
“This Liberia we can make it a better place and I need somebody to help me make this happen and that person is your son, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo”, he continued.
Cllr. Gongloe, who vowed to sweep Liberia of corruption from public offices if elected as Liberia’s President promised to provide tuition free education in every public school across the country.
The “Poor man’s Lawyer,” as Cllr. Gongloe is widely called told Liberians in the central region that the nation’s healthcare is another government’s functionary that needs keen attention for quality health service delivery, which will be improved under his watch as president.
He highlighted the tradition and culture of Bong County as one reason that lured his efforts to engage elders and chiefs of the county to get their blessings before officially unveiling Dr. Yarkpawolo as his running mate on the ticket of the LPP.
The elders of Bong County, through their Elder Council Representative, Mr. William P. Cisco, disclosed that the decision by Cllr. Gongloe to select their son didn’t arise as surprise to them because Dr. Yarkpawolo continues to demonstrate maturity, and his development impacts in the County are just few of the indicators.
“As you have come to ask us for our son to be your running mate, we the elders, women and youth of this County have agreed that our integrity son, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, will be your running mate. We want to thank God because God has chosen our son, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo , but we also want to let you know that from today’s date onward, Bong County is for you, and we will stand by you forever, we want to say the blessing of God is with your team as you go to these elections”, he said.
Cllr. Gongloe is expected to formally unveil Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo on July 8, 2023 in Gbarnga, in Bong County.
