- Nimba County Senator Jeremiah Koung declines an offer to be the running mate of Alexander Cummings, citing strong public support for Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
- Koung’s decision comes after considering the sentiments of his team and constituents, who he believes are leaning towards Boakai in the upcoming elections.
- The senator clarifies his identity and asserts independence, stating he is not to be confused with Senator Prince Johnson, and urges those with issues concerning Johnson to address him directly.
Nimba County Senator Jeremiah Koung, political leader of the Movement for Development and Reconstruction (MDR), has cited several reasons why he turned down an offer from Alexander Cummings of the Alternative National Congress (ANC) to be his running mate. Koung’s decision comes as he believes that Liberians are leaning towards Joseph Nyuma Boakai, influencing his choice to decline the request.
During an appearance on SpoonTV, Senator Koung recounted the events surrounding the invitation. He revealed that he received a call from the hierarchy of the ANC in November 2022, requesting a meeting in Monrovia. Representatives George Wisner and Musa Hassan Bility both informed Koung that Alexander Cummings desired him as a running mate.
“On the same day, I received a call from Mr. Musa Hassan Bility, who also informed me that Mr. Cummings wanted me to be his running mate, and I told him the same thing: that I needed time to think about it,” Senator Koung said.
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After consulting with his team and constituents, Senator Jeremiah Koung reached a conclusion. He noted that the Liberian people are gravitating towards Joseph Nyuma Boakai, commonly referred to as “JNB.” This sentiment among the population played a significant role in Koung’s decision to decline Cummings’ offer.
Furthermore, Senator Koung took the opportunity to assert his independence and clarify any misconceptions. He firmly stated, “I am not Jeremiah Johnson; I am Jeremiah Koung.” By making this distinction, Koung addressed any associations with Senator Prince Johnson, urging those with personal issues regarding Senator Johnson to approach him directly.
As Liberia’s political landscape evolves, the choices made by influential figures like Senator Koung hold significance. Koung’s decision not only reflects his assessment of popular support for Boakai but also underscores the importance of aligning with the sentiment of the electorate. The coming months leading up to the elections will unveil the impact of such decisions on Liberia’s political future.