A newly formed advocacy group, Bong County Citizens Unity for Development, has emerged in strong defense of Superintendent Lolelah Hawa Norris, countering growing demands from the Unity Party Youth Wing Bong Chapter for her resignation.
The unfolding controversy reveals deepening fractures within the ruling Unity Party’s local structures, as debates over Superintendent Norris’s leadership intensify. While segments of the party’s youth wing accuse her of mismanagement and disconnection from grassroots constituents, the pro-Norris group insists she is being unfairly targeted for political reasons.
At a peaceful assembly held on June 13, the pro-Norris group presented a petition outlining her developmental achievements over the past two years. The petition was read by Joseph N. Tokpah, who praised the Superintendent for delivering on key infrastructural and social development initiatives.
“Superintendent Norris has overseen major projects including the renovation of the Superintendent’s compound, fencing of the Administrative Building in Gbarnga, and the rehabilitation of all streets in the city,” Tokpah said.
“She also reinstated the Madam Suakoko Scholarship through the County Development Fund, benefiting numerous underprivileged students.”
The group highlighted Norris’s efforts in channeling resources to vital institutions, such as Phebe Hospital, C. B. Dunbar Comprehensive Hospital, the Liberia Opportunity Industrialization Center (LOIC)—the county’s only vocational training institute—and Bong Mines Hospital.
They argued that calls for her removal stem from self-serving political interests rather than genuine concern for the county.
“Your Excellency, President Boakai,” Tokpah read from the petition, “some individuals oppose Superintendent Norris because she refuses to compromise the county’s interests for their personal gain… Now they are staging protests. We urge you to advise them to allow her to do her job in peace.”
The petition also categorically rejected what it called “false and misleading” allegations circulating against Norris, including accusations of corruption, neglect of duty, and awarding contracts to political opponents.
Addressing a recent controversy regarding a vehicle donation to Reverend James Paye of Christ Vision International Ministries, Tokpah said:
“We appreciate this gift and celebrate Rev. Paye because he has continuously prayed for Bong County and Liberia.”
The group emphasized Norris’s role in youth empowerment, inclusive governance, and infrastructural progress as critical to the county’s future.
Josephus Dormeyan, an advisor in the Superintendent’s office, received the petition on her behalf and acknowledged the group’s concerns.
“We thank you for your peaceful demonstration,” Dormeyan said. “Superintendent Norris and Unity Party officials are committed to working with all stakeholders to advance development in Bong County.”
He added that the Superintendent, currently engaged in national duties, would address the petition upon her return.
Despite the demonstration of support, a faction within the Unity Party Youth Wing Bong Chapter remains firm in its demand for Norris’s resignation. Critics cite internal missteps, lack of engagement with local leaders, and what they describe as eroding public trust in her administration.
“The party must uphold accountability,” one youth leader, requesting anonymity, told this outlet. “Our integrity is at stake if we continue to ignore mounting concerns.”
As the internal power struggle escalates, political observers warn that the impasse could weaken the party’s influence in Bong County ahead of future electoral contests.
Community leaders have called for calm and unity, urging both sides to prioritize development over political infighting.
