Nimba Road Project Sparks Credit Dispute

By S. Matthew M. Quoi Jr. | Nimba County

SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County — Former Electoral District #2 representative candidate Charles Teage Wonkehyor says Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung is solely responsible for launching the rehabilitation of the Sanniquellie–Duo Tiayee Road, pushing back against claims by supporters of District #2 lawmaker Nyan G. Flomo that the initiative began through their efforts.

Wonkehyor made the statement as debate grows on social media over who should take credit for the project, which is expected to improve access for communities along the corridor.

On April 8, 2026, Wonkehyor led a groundbreaking ceremony in Duo-Tiayee Town for rehabilitation work.

He said he officiated on behalf of Koung, who asked him to stand in because of other commitments.

After the event, supporters of Flomo — and Flomo himself, according to posts circulating online — said the project was initiated through their advocacy, prompting competing accounts of how the work was secured.

In response, Wonkehyor insisted the rehabilitation is a Vice President-led initiative and said his role was limited to representing Koung at the ceremony following consultations.

He said he has been communicating with Koung about the road for some time and that planners want the work completed before the peak of the rainy season.

He added that plans are in place to ensure the road is rehabilitated before the peak of the rainy season. Meanwhile, Representative Nyan Flomo addressed the situation, offering his perspective.

Flomo, for his part, said he is not seeking full credit for the project, but described it as a collaborative effort involving several stakeholders.

He said the effort includes his office, Koung, and Tomah Seh Floyd Sr., chief executive officer of Jungle Water Group of Investment, adding that he, too, has been in regular contact with the Vice President about the road.

Flomo said claims that Wonkehyor or his supporters alone secured the project are misleading and risk undermining unity in the district.

At the groundbreaking, Flomo pledged a contribution of US$10,000 toward the project and paid US$2,500 immediately, he said.

He said he will provide the remaining balance later to support completion of the work.

Sen. Nyan Twayen Jr. also pledged support, promising US$5,000 for the rehabilitation during a constituency engagement tour.

He said he will continue backing the project until it is completed. Residents from affected communities have also weighed in.

Several residents said the project is being spearheaded by the Vice President through Wonkehyor, arguing that Wonkehyor was formally authorized to break ground in Koung’s absence.

They said Koung missed the ceremony because of scheduling constraints, not a lack of involvement. Residents of Yarpea Administrative District also emphasized the road’s importance to transportation and access in the area.

Community members said the rehabilitation should ease movement of goods, particularly farm produce, and could boost local economic activity.

Residents said rural communities stand to benefit most from improved infrastructure and urged sons and daughters of Nimba County — especially those from the affected areas — to contribute financially.

They said a collective effort is needed to ensure the project succeeds, adding that the road will serve local residents as well as travelers and businesses that pass through the corridor.

Despite the dispute over credit, stakeholders say the Sanniquellie–Duo Tiayee Road rehabilitation remains a major development effort for Nimba County, with supporters urging continued backing to deliver the promised improvements.