MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyumalin has warned local chiefs against obtaining membership of political parties in the county.

Minister Nyumalin said:” Doing so will compromise their neutrality in fostering peace and national reconciliation among the people.”

He said chiefs are the first line of contact in settling disputes in the various towns and communities to achieve peaceful co-existence among the locals.

Minister Nyumalin announced the caveat on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Gbarnga, Bong County, when he inducted Superintendent Loleyah Norris and other local leaders in the county.

Meanwhile, Bong County Superintendent Norris has spoken of challenges that continue to undermine development in the county.

Madam Norris named the lack of an operational system, transparency, and accountability as some of the challenges hampering the growth and development of Bong County.

She also said:” The inadequate implementation of projects by contractors is one of the vices leading to the underdevelopment of the County.”

Madam Norris vowed to unite the people irrespective of political and religious affiliations.

The new Bong County Superintendent also promised to tackle the issues of education, health, road rehabilitation, and youth and women empowerment in her administration.

At the same time, Nimba County Superintendent, Kou Gono is calling for an audit of the outgoing administration of the county.

Superintendent Gono said:” This will ensure transparency and hold people accountable for their stewardship.”

ELBC Nimba County Correspondent quotes the outgoing Superintendent, Nelson Korquah, as saying his administration left over three million United States Dollars in the county coffers.

Meanwhile, citizens of the county have welcomed the decision of Superintendent Gono to commission an audit of the past administration.

The citizens claimed that monies allotted to repair twenty-two earth moving equipment cannot be accounted for, as the machines have broken down.

Meanwhile, Minister Nyumalin has urged the new local leadership of Nimba County to serve with commitment and accountability to move the county forward.

He also warned local authorities against corrupt practices in their duties, describing corruption as anti-development and progress.

The Internal Affairs Ministry Boss gave the caution recently in Sanniquellie, Nimba County when he inducted Superintendent Kou Gono and four others.

Internal Affairs Francis Nyumalin also called on Madam Gono to operate within the confines of the 2018 Local Government Act.