Outgoing Maryland County Superintendent Henry B. Cole Jr. has called for reconciliation and unity among residents while defending his administration's development record, urging citizens to place the county's progress above political differences.
Speaking Monday during the official turnover ceremony that ushered in a new county administration, Cole reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. and the people of Liberia for the opportunity to serve.
He described public service as both an honor and a demanding responsibility, noting that governance often requires difficult decisions in the face of complex challenges.
Despite those obstacles, Cole said his administration remained committed to implementing development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Maryland County residents.
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Among the projects he highlighted were the ongoing construction of city halls in Barrobo and Karluway districts, as well as the superintendent's residence in Karluway.
According to Cole, the projects were intended to strengthen local governance and improve public service delivery across the county.
The outgoing superintendent also addressed the controversial Gbolobo School project, which had generated public debate during his tenure.
He clarified that his administration inherited the project with an outstanding contractual obligation of US$50,000, which was later settled by his administration, paving the way for its completion.
"I paid the US$50,000 for the project, and the project has been completed," Cole said, rejecting suggestions that the project contributed to his departure from office.
Cole further cited the distribution of motorcycles to district commissioners as one of his administration's key interventions to improve government supervision and expand access to remote communities throughout Maryland County.
In an emotional conclusion to his address, he appealed to residents and political leaders to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity in the interest of the county's continued development.
"From today onward, I hold nothing personal against anyone. I do not practice such attitudes or behaviors. My hope and prayers are that Maryland County will continue to grow," he said.
The ceremony formally transferred leadership of Maryland County to the newly appointed superintendent, marking another phase in the Boakai administration's efforts to strengthen local governance and accelerate development across Liberia's counties.
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