By: P. Uriah Suah
suahuriah86@gmail.com
Ganta, Nimba County — Several residents of Nimba County Electoral District Eight have issued a strong call for Representative Saye Sylvester Mianah of to provide an annual legislative report.
According to them Rep. Mianah alleged refusal in providing a comprehensive report undermines the principles of transparency and accountability since his ascendancy to the district’s highest seat in January 2024.
The residents speaking through the ‘The Nimba District Eight Advocates’, revealed that Representative Mianah has failed to fulfill a key constitutional obligation through the presentation of legislative progress and the status of district development initiatives. They stressed that the absence of such report is a violation of the people’s right to information which undermines good governance mostly at the legislature.
Jesse Nya Borbea and Emmanuel P. Quewon who spoke for the pressure group claimed multiple attempts to reach the lawmaker have proven unsuccessful, with calls and messages reportedly ignored.
“Many residents in the district are frustrated and in the dark regarding national legislative activities and district development efforts.” They stated.
They emphasized that an annual report is essential for assessing government performance and evaluating how effectively the lawmaker is advocating for the district’s interests at the Capitol.
In addition to the legislative report, the advocates are demanding that the lawmaker fulfill promises made during the 2023 campaign, particularly scholarships opportunities for youths.
For instance, they highlighted the lack financial aid programs for students from the district, mostly at the Nimba University and the University of Liberia for students originating from Electoral District eight, raising concerns of abandonment.
However, the Nimba District Advocates have warned that if Representative Mianah fails to respond to their demands, they will consider civil actions including peaceful protests. They asserted their constitutional right to assemble and make demands of elected officials, further suggesting that if the lawmaker continues to ignore the concerns of the district, they may push for his impeachment before the end of his term in 2029.
Meanwhile, the Office of Representative Mianah, through Human Resource Officer, Calvin Wondah, in response to these concerns assured citizens that a comprehensive legislative report will be presented on July 26 clarifying that despite criticisms; the administration has been working behind the scenes and actively engaging communities across the district.
He attributed the delays in presenting a report to ‘political tensions’, while stating efforts have since been redirected toward community-based engagements and development planning.
“Several meetings have been held in key towns, including Lampa, to consult with citizens ahead of the scheduled report.” He noted.
Responding to allegations of neglecting youths of the district, the office disclosed that a district-wide survey was conducted in both primary and tertiary institutions, including colleges and universities within and outside of Nimba County which was geared toward gathering accurate statistics and ensure a fair and impactful distribution of any funding received from national sources. Institutions such as Nimba University, LICC, and PYJ were among those visited as part of the assessment.
The office insists that financial aid has already been allocated to several students, and additional disbursements are expected in the coming weeks.
As July 26 approaches, the district office has called on all citizens to attend the upcoming report presentation promising it will provide comprehensive insights into the Rep. Mianah workings.
