GOMPA, Nimba – Nimba’s assistant superintendent for development, Dorr Cooper, told the press that his absence from Unity Party’s Nimba County Charter Convention will not affect the party moving forward.

The party, in its quest to secure a third term under the leadership of Vice President Joseph N. Boakai as standard bearer, elected its new code of officers to steer the affairs of the party in Nimba for the next six years.

The convention was held in Saclepea, and businessman-turned-politician Pharaze L. Dekpah was elected chairman on a white ballot.

However, Cooper, who has occupied the position in the past, was absent from the convention, generating concern from some party members and the general public.

“I have a lot of work to do as development superintendent,” Cooper said. “So, it does not necessarily mean that I had to be at the convention. My absence did not change anything or stop the convention from going on.”

Some are speculating that Cooper’s absence is due to a secret pledge of support to Charles W. Brumskine, the presidential candidate for the opposing Liberty Party.

“Political party membership is an affiliation,” Cooper said, responding to the speculation about his move to Liberty Party. “That’s why the constitution says ‘people must not be deprived (of their rights) because of political affiliations.”

“In a political season like what we are in, you can be from a political party and you can see another candidate on a different ticket, and [if] you think that candidate is able to move your county forward, you can support him,” Cooper continued with his cryptic message.

He noted that it is not unheard of to support a candidate from an opposing party.

Cooper served as mayor of Gompa before being appointed as assistant superintendent for development.

Featured photo by Arrington Ballah