ZEKEPA, Nimba – Rep. Johnson N. Gwaikolo of Nimba’s ninth electoral district recently held an appreciation program for residents of his district where he emphasized the need for reconciliation after a heated election contest.

Speaking on Saturday, February 17 in Zekepa, Gwaikolo said during the October 10 elections, contestants within the district said many negative things about each other to win, which may have led to a lot of animosity.

“I sincerely apologize to my colleagues who I angered in any way during the election and ask [for their] forgiveness,” Gwaikolo said. “Togetherness is a key instrument that will drive our development initiatives in the district.”

Gwaikolo stressed that when residents put aside their differences and work together, there will be many projects undertaken in the district.

Traditional chiefs in Zekepa present cola nuts to Representative Johnson N. Gwaikolo in celebration of his victory. Photo: Zeze Ballah

Gwaikolo said the large turnout of residents at the program signified to him that the people are ready to work together for the development of the district.

He identified one of his first priorities as establishing a legislative office in the district. He also wants to follow that with a guest house.

Additionally, Gwaikolo said he wants the district development committees to be revamped to carry on meaningful development in the district. He said each of the five administrative districts within his electoral district would have a committee of five to seven persons. Those committees, he said, would be responsible for planning development initiatives.

“I will work with the elders, chiefs and local leaders to establish the district committee,” he said.

Gwaikolo said the various committees situated in the district will be responsible for sending feedback to him in Monrovia about the kinds of development to be undertaken. He said this setup would allow projects to be “driven by the people themselves.”

Featured photo by Zeze Ballah