Ongoing ‘sanction’ propaganda ahead of 2023 by political actors intended to dissuade the people’s choice of National Port Authority’s managing director, Bill Twehway for the senate, seems to be landing on unfertile soil, despite being designated by the United States government on allegation of corruption.
Mr. Twehway was sanctioned alongside Presidential Affairs Minister, Nathaniel McGill and Solicitor General, Cyrenius Cephus on claim of ‘ongoing’ corruption. The pair was subsequently suspended by President George Weah a day after being sanctioned, pending investigation by the Liberian government.
It’s evidently known that Mr. Twehway had reached a decision to contest the senate seat for River Cess next year.
Political commentators hold the view that Mr. Twehway’s chance of winning election in the face of the sanction is most unlikely, but such analysis appears to be landing on sinking sand, as the people of River Cess look readily upbeat to have their kinsman elected to the senate.
This is evidenced by the huge turnout of citizens along the road from Timbo Bridge to Cestos City during the visit of the suspended NPA boss to the county just a few days following his designation by the U.S. government.
Supporters gathered en masse to welcome Mr. Twehway home, chanting different slogans. “Sanction or no sanction, we will vote for you”. In fact, this is a new song among supporters of the man they call the Nehemiah of River Cess.
Mr. Twehway had been breaking the bank since becoming head of the seaport authority, initiating several projects including construction of schools, teacher and nursing quarters, housing units, scholarships and financial aids for deserving students, loan to market women, etc., but closefisted politicians think those interventions are campaign-related projects which should not be the basis for voting the sanctioned government official.
Recently, Bill Twehway visited the county providing uniforms and other logistical support to “Queens of Twehway, a group in support of his senatorial ambition.
One of Several Advantages: The Friends of Geevon Factor
Even though unofficial, the Friends of Geevon (FOG) is at the verge of declaring support for Twehway’s senatorial bid. Except for a few influential officials including Lawrence Tarr and Patrick Cole, a majority of members including Sceedarka Jarkah, Martha Toe, Stephen Grant and Maxim Duahyu, have declared support. The vision bearer, Senator Wellington Geevon-Smith, reports have it that has similarly pledged his support. The Friends of Geevon commands huge respect in River Cess district 2 which comprises largely of Yarnie and Timbo Districts.
Bill has attracted more supporters to his side since facing sanction, and the shifts in political discourse of recent could make anybody to derive a conclusion that the sanction will not impact his ambition negatively for the senate.
To be continued!