One of Nimba County's prominent sons, Dr. Kadiker Rex Dahn, has broken his silence nearly six months after returning to Liberia, warning political leaders against allowing personal ambitions and political disagreements to undermine the county's development.
Dahn, a member of the Unity Party and a prominent son of BuuYao, said he felt compelled to speak out over what he described as growing political tension and division in Nimba, warning that continued infighting could damage the county's historical image and jeopardize emerging development opportunities.
He accused what he described as "political Judases" of creating unnecessary political noise and division in the county, arguing that Nimba should instead focus on unity, peace and constructive engagement.
"It's unfortunate that these men would deliberately choose to become thorns in Nimba's flesh and drive Nimba toward darkness when, in fact, Nimba is high on the agenda of the Boakai-Koung administration," Dahn said.
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Dahn specifically criticized Senator Samuel Kogar and his political allies, accusing them of engaging in what he characterized as counterproductive political activities that run contrary to the traditional values and collective interests of Nimba.
He argued that political differences should not be allowed to create the impression that Nimba is fragmented or directionless, particularly at a time when the county is expected to benefit from national development initiatives.
"Absolutely, no one can bend Nimba's ongoing growth and development only for selfish gains," Dahn declared. "If they do, it would amount to a treacherous endeavor to reverse the gains Nimba is experiencing under this administration, which is taking Liberia out of the dungeon of darkness."
The former senior government official urged Nimba's political leaders and citizens to place the collective interests of the county above individual political ambitions.
He called for greater political maturity, responsible leadership and constructive engagement, saying the county's development prospects should remain the priority regardless of political differences.
Dahn also took direct aim at Kogar's criticism of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and the First Family.
He described the senator's attacks as politically motivated and lacking constructive substance, accusing Kogar of adopting an antagonistic posture toward the Executive Branch rather than working with the administration on national development.
"God is first, and the President and Vice President are second in ushering Kogar to his present position. Rather than working with the Executive, he has become an antagonist. What a shame and disgrace!" Dahn said.
He further accused Kogar of repeatedly engaging in political battles with former leaders for political relevance and described his approach as unhelpful to the broader interests of Liberia and Nimba County.
Dahn also expressed disappointment over what he described as Kogar's political posture, saying it has brought embarrassment to residents of BuuYao, particularly members of the Dan community with whom he identifies.
However, he appealed to national leaders not to judge the entire BuuYao community based on the actions or political positions of one individual.
"In this public manner, I plead with the President and Vice President to see Kogar as he is and not to judge the entire BuuYao community by the actions of one individual. I stand with President Boakai and Vice President Koung. The people of BuuYao stand with President Boakai and Vice President Koung," Dahn said.
Beyond the political dispute, Dahn praised President Boakai for what he described as a determined effort to confront illicit drugs and organized drug trafficking in Liberia.
He argued that national leaders and citizens should support efforts aimed at addressing issues that threaten Liberia's social stability and future.
Dahn also recognized the contribution of the late Jackson Fiah Doe to national growth and development, saying his legacy should not be diminished by contemporary political disagreements.
He urged Nimba residents to resist what he metaphorically described as political "witches and wizards"--individuals who, in his view, deliberately portray progress as failure and truth as falsehood for political advantage.
According to Dahn, Nimba's importance to Liberia's political and economic development makes unity particularly important.
He maintained that prolonged political infighting could undermine opportunities available to the county and weaken its ability to benefit from government programs and investments.
Dahn therefore called on Nimba's citizens to reject divisive politics and concentrate on peace, unity, development and the long-term interests of the county.
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"The people of BuuYao remain wholeheartedly in support of this government, seeing the rescue light at the end of the tunnel," he said.
His comments come amid an increasingly visible political disagreement involving Nimba political figures, with questions over the relationship between elected officials and the national government generating debate among residents and supporters.
For Dahn, however, the central issue is not political allegiance but Nimba's future.
He argued that no individual political ambition should be allowed to outweigh the collective interests of a county that has played a significant role in Liberia's political, economic and national development.
Dahn said Nimba's leaders must therefore choose cooperation over confrontation and development over division.
He concluded by urging citizens to protect the county's reputation and ensure that political disagreements do not derail its development trajectory.
Dr. Kadiker Rex Dahn is a Liberian public intellectual and former senior government official with longstanding ties to Nimba County. He has been involved in education, governance, political commentary and national discussions concerning Liberia's peace, development and democratic progress.
