Grand Kru County Superintendent Antoinette Nimely Denies Allegation, But Statutory District Officials Confirm Payments
By Emmanuel Koffa |
BARCLAYVILLE, Liberia— A storm of controversy has erupted in the southeastern Grand Kru County, after several Statutory District leaders alleged that the county’s leadership instructed each district to contribute L$150,000 toward the ruling Unity Party’s December 6, 2025 fundraising rally to construct its national headquarters, ahead of the 2029 Legislative and Presidential Elections.
While in opposition before winning the 2023 presidential elections two years ago, the UP of President Joseph Boakai was evicted from its national headquarters in Monrovia’s Congo Town suburb for failure to pay its rent amounting to tens of thousands of US dollars. Boakai’s Unity Party Partisans Today Prevent Enforcement Of Court Order – News Public Trust
The latest allegation about mandatory taxing of statutory districts was first raised by Oratus Gmah, a citizen in Grand Kru County, who said he uncovered the information through internal district communications.
“The evidence we are seeing from district officials shows that this was not a voluntary contribution,” Mr. Gmah told Journalists here.
“District leaders are reporting consistent instructions and pressure to make these payments,” he added.
A formal communication—addressed to county authorities and signed by Hon. Bleebo Doe, Statutory District Superintendent of Buah; Hon. Dullis Krakue, Commissioner; and Jackson Doe, District Clerk—details the transfer of the money and acknowledges that Buah Statutory District has complied with the payment directive.
In the letter, the officials wrote:
“We present in this communication that the amount requested has been completed and delivered as instructed.”
This internal correspondence forms part of the evidence cited by Gmah.
According to Gmah and several district-level sources, Nyankunkpo, Jarkarkpo, Wakpo, Karkpo, and “several others” have already made the L$150,000 payment.
Additional confirmations reportedly came from districts in Upper Bolloh, Warwleken, Doeswen, and Jlaktaken, where officials allegedly acknowledged their contributions toward the Unity Party fundraising rally.
A district source who requested anonymity said:
“We were told this is the county’s contribution toward the ruling party’s national program. We did not have a choice.”
However, Grand Kru County Superintendent, Antoinette Wowlee Nimely later responded through her WhatsApp account late Friday, strongly denying the accusation, calling it “false, misleading, and politically motivated.”
“At no time did my office demand or instruct any Statutory District to pay one hundred and fifty thousand dollars,”
Superintendent Nimely said.
“Any such claims are far from the truth and do not represent the operations of this administration.”
She insisted that the county’s leadership “does not coerce or extort money from district authorities.”
Eyebrows raised among civil society groups
Civic groups in Grand Kru County say the allegations raise concerns about whether government structures are being used to mobilize funds for political party activities.
A governance analyst in Grand Kru remarked:
“If these payments were made under pressure, it becomes a misuse of authority and a breach of neutrality expected of county officials.”
Accordingly, District Officials Maintain their Position despite the Superintendent’s denial, the signed letter—and confirmations from multiple districts—continue to fuel public debate.
Hon. Bleebo Doe, one of the officials who endorsed the communication, reaffirmed the district’s position when contacted:
“Our letter speaks for itself.
We acted based on the instruction that came to us.”
Gmah says he intends to push for a full investigation:
“Grand Kru deserves transparency.
The people want to know whether district funds are being used for political financing.”
Citizens and residents across Grand Kru County, particularly in Barclayville and Buah, are calling for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and national civil society groups to intervene.
Many fear the controversy could deepen political divisions in this already polarized nation, ahead of the 2029 elections.