GANTA, Nimba – After months of legal battles over who becomes the lawmaker of Nimba’s eighth electoral district, the Supreme Court finally ruled in favor of incumbent, Rep. Larry P. Younquoi, over his rival, Saye S. Mianah, on January 19.

However, the case caused a deep division between residents of the district, especially between supporters of the two candidates.

Aware of this, Younquoi has prioritized reconciliation, following what he called a creation of ‘bad blood’ during the electoral period.

“We will first extend our hands to all of our [fellow competitors] – the nine other persons that took part with us [in the race for representative],” Younquoi said. “We and them will come together and have a meeting with other likeminded people in and around the district—we will make sure that comes to fruition; and then, we will start to talk about what’s next.”

Younquoi said many people used social media to create “a lot of division.”

He outlined his plan for reuniting the district, saying he would reach out to various groups, including youth and women’s groups to convene meetings.

Younquoi also said he would reach out to his defeated rival, Mianah, in the coming days.

“At the appropriate time, Hon. Mianah and myself will re-establish our contact,” he said. “But for now, I have not called him like we normally do, because the tension is still high.”

Meanwhile, Mianah has accepted to abide by the Supreme Court’s ruling; and as such, has said he is open to working with Younquoi in moving the district forward. He urged his supporters to do the same and remain supportive in the development of their district.

“The highest court has spoken,” he said. “We have to accept the result and then come back to our district to unite our citizens and put them together for the development of our district.” He said. “I wholeheartedly welcome it – that’s the decision of our citizens; that’s the decision of God; so, I have to accept it and just talk to our citizens to accept the outcome, so we can forge ahead for the development of our district.”

Featured photo by Arrington Ballah