MONROVIA — Naymote Partners for Democratic Development is calling for an independent investigation into the selection of Lofa County’s representative for an African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO)-supported training program in India, amid allegations that a politically connected individual was selected while the county’s designated Development Officer was excluded.
Naymote said its concerns stem from a participant list showing that County Development Officers are representing other participating counties, while Lofa County is represented by an individual identified as a “County Technical Assistant”—a position the organization says it has not been able to verify within Lofa County’s current administrative structure.
According to Naymote, its preliminary inquiries indicate that Henry Bundoo, reportedly a Foya District Coordinator for Local Government Minister Francis Sakila Nyumalin’s political movement, is occupying Lofa County’s slot in the training.
Naymote said Francis Egu Lasanna, whom it identifies as Lofa County’s Development Officer, was instead left out.
The organization stressed, however, that the alleged political relationship between Bundoo and Minister Nyumalin, as well as whether that connection influenced his selection, has not been independently established.
Still, Naymote said the circumstances warrant scrutiny because County Development Officers have formal responsibilities for development planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
“Training intended to strengthen those functions should benefit officials who legitimately hold the relevant responsibilities and can apply the learning within county institutions upon return,” Naymote said.
The organization warned that if political considerations displaced the appropriate county official, Lofa County could have lost an opportunity to strengthen its development capacity.
“Such conduct would place personal political interests ahead of public responsibilities and undermine confidence in the Ministry’s commitment to accountable decentralization,” Naymote said.
Calls for Minister to Explain Selection
Naymote is calling on the Minister of Local Government to clarify Bundoo’s official appointment status, substantive duties and authority to represent Lofa County at the international training.
The organization is also demanding an explanation as to why the county’s Development Officer was not selected.
The Ministry, Naymote said, should verify that all participants are legitimate nominees and that their official responsibilities correspond with the objectives of the training program.
The group further called on the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate whether any conflict of interest, political favoritism or misuse of public authority played a role in determining Lofa County’s representation.
Naymote said any investigation should establish the facts, provide an opportunity for those implicated to respond and determine whether corrective measures or referral to other competent authorities are warranted.
“If improper influence is established,” Naymote said, “the President of Liberia and the responsible authorities should ensure appropriate accountability and restore the county’s access to the intended institutional benefit,” in coordination with AARDO and the Indian training hosts.
Political Connection Alone Not Proof of Wrongdoing
Naymote acknowledged that political association, by itself, does not constitute proof of wrongdoing.
But the organization argued that public authority should not be used to reward political loyalty at the expense of county development.
“Officials entrusted with decentralization must protect the interests of the communities they serve,” Naymote said.
The organization is also urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government institutions to verify the official status and substantive responsibilities of nominees selected for internationally sponsored government training programs.
Naymote said it intends to seek clarification from AARDO and the relevant Indian partners through appropriate channels.
The organization commended the County Development Officers from Bong, Sinoe, River Gee, Rivercess, Margibi, Grand Bassa and Grand Gedeh counties who are participating in the training, urging them to use the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, build professional networks and return better equipped to support county institutions.
Naymote said it remains committed to constructive engagement with the Ministry of Local Government, but stressed that a prompt, documented response and impartial investigation are necessary to protect the integrity of the training partnership, strengthen public confidence and safeguard Lofa County’s development interests.
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