MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Deputy Director for Administration at the Agricultural and Industrial Training Board (AITB), Alphonso Paye Korto Sr., has challenged recent statements by Cllr. Garrison Yealue concerning development, government appointments, and political representation in Nimba County.
Korto said he listened to Yealue’s recent appearance on OK FM and questioned what he described as inconsistencies in Yealue’s assessment of development activities across Nimba.
According to Korto, Yealue acknowledged during the radio discussion that road-paving projects are underway in several communities in District #4, while also stating that the road leading to his hometown of Valyenglay had not been paved.
Korto said Yealue further claimed that residents were allegedly told the road had not been included because he was in the opposition.
“If that is what he was told, then he should explain how he can acknowledge ongoing road projects across the district while also suggesting that there is no development taking place in Nimba,” Korto said.
He argued that the issue should be examined based on available evidence rather than political affiliation.
Korto also disputed Yealue’s claim that Nimba has not benefited from the current government in terms of appointments. He pointed to the presence of Nimbians in senior positions across government, including ministerial and deputy-ministerial positions, as well as leadership roles within key state institutions.
He referenced comments made during the same discussion by Julius Jeh, who highlighted Nimba’s representation at various levels of government.
“Nimba is one county. People from Lower, Central and Upper Nimba are all Nimbians,” Korto said, arguing that government representation should be considered across the county rather than based solely on appointments involving a particular community or political constituency.
The AITB official also questioned what he described as a significant shift in Yealue’s political rhetoric, citing Yealue’s previous opposition to Senator Prince Y. Johnson and his current political positions.
Korto acknowledged that political positions can change but said such changes can legitimately attract public scrutiny.
He maintained that public discussions about Nimba’s development should focus on measurable projects, government appointments, infrastructure and other verifiable developments rather than political disagreements.
“Nimba people are listening and watching,” Korto said. “The discussion should be based on what is happening on the ground and on the evidence available to the public.”
Korto further argued that repeated media appearances cannot replace evidence when assessing the government’s record in Nimba.
He said disagreements over the county’s political leadership and development agenda should not prevent residents from independently assessing government projects and representation.
Korto concluded by defending Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr. as a central figure in Nimba’s current political leadership while calling for continued public discussion about development, infrastructure, appointments and representation in the county.
