PHOTO: Little Leo Nippy poses for picture with his political godfather, Sen. Sogbie
By Charles Gbayor, maorethason1997@gmail.com
FISH TOWN, Liberia- Just at age 3 and not even in the first grade yet, little Leo Nippy has been offered a scholarship up through high school here in the south-eastern River Gee County.
The County’s Senator Jonathan Boycharles Sogbie from the opposition CPP announced here recently his awarding of scholarship to little Leo of FishTown for what he described as “consistent support” to him (Senator Sogbie) during the 2020 Special Senatorial election. But at that time, the little lad was just less than two years old.
At the ceremony, the River Gee lawmaker said that this kid was with him during the entire electioneering period and has shown that commitment and “I’m very proud of him”.
“He was very consistent, despite his underage status that couldn’t allow him to participate in electoral processes in our County but he was committed to us and our party,” Sen. Sogbie said.
Little Leo Nippay with family
The interesting side of the little Nippy’s story is that he has 15 more years to reach the age of maturity to vote in elections in Liberia.
Article 77 b of the country’s constitution says: “All elections shall be by secret ballot as may be determined by the Elections Commission, and every Liberian citizen not less than 18 years of age, shall have the right to be registered as a voter and to vote in public elections and referenda under this Constitution. The Legislature shall enact laws indicating the category of Liberians who shall not form or become members of political parties.”
The opposition CPP Senator and former Liberian international football star also told Journalists at the occasion that he was happy to always see the little boy greeting his team of officials when leaving and going to the headquarters of the Alternative National Congress (ANC) in FishTown.
“This morning, I have come to identify with little Leo Nippay for his unbending support to me during the election. He was one person who was always there with during campaign. I am very happy that his parents never stopped him from always being with us and he did what he did,” Sen. Sogbie explained.
The River Gee County Senator furtherance promised to sponsor little Leo Nippy until from kindergarten to 12th grade.
In response to Senator Sogbie’s promises and praises lavished on the child, little Leo’s father, Dominic Nippay said: “I was very shocked when he started greeting supporters of from the political camp of now Senator Jonathan Boycharles Sogbie during the campaign consistently.”
“I am not surprise that Senator Sogbie will give him my son this opportunity to forward this education. Senator Jonathan Boycharles Sogbie is one person who I believe and he have brought different ideas our county politics,” little Leo’s father said.
Mr. Nippay then thanked and appreciated Sen. Sogbie for keeping his words by fulfilling all his campaign promises in less than three months after induction and for the scholarship provided to his son.