Naymote Partners for Democratic Development has called for an independent investigation into the selection of Lofa County's representative for an African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO)-supported training program in India. The organization alleges that a politically connected individual, Henry Bundoo, was selected while the county's designated Development Officer, Francis Egu Lasanna, was excluded. Naymote expressed concerns over the legitimacy of Bundoo's appointment and the potential misuse of public authority.
According to Naymote, its preliminary inquiries indicate that Bundoo, reportedly a Foya District Coordinator for Local Government Minister Francis Sakila Nyumalin's political movement, occupies Lofa County's slot in the training. Naymote questions the circumstances surrounding Bundoo's selection, citing his unverified position within Lofa County's current administrative structure. The organization emphasizes that County Development Officers have formal responsibilities for development planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
Naymote stresses that training intended to strengthen development functions should benefit officials who legitimately hold relevant responsibilities and can apply the learning within county institutions upon return. The organization warns that if political considerations displaced the appropriate county official, Lofa County could have lost an opportunity to strengthen its development capacity. This, Naymote argues, would place personal political interests ahead of public responsibilities and undermine confidence in the Ministry's commitment to accountable decentralization.
Naymote is calling on the Minister of Local Government to clarify Bundoo's official appointment status, substantive duties, and authority to represent Lofa County at the international training. The organization demands an explanation as to why the county's Development Officer was not selected. The Ministry, Naymote says, should verify that all participants are legitimate nominees and that their official responsibilities correspond with the objectives of the training program.
The organization further calls on the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate whether any conflict of interest, political favoritism, or misuse of public authority played a role in determining Lofa County's representation. Naymote suggests that any investigation should establish the facts, provide an opportunity for those implicated to respond, and determine whether corrective measures or referral to other competent authorities are warranted.
Naymote acknowledges that political association, by itself, does not constitute proof of wrongdoing. However, the organization argues that public authority should not be used to reward political loyalty at the expense of county development. Naymote urges the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government institutions to verify the official status and substantive responsibilities of nominees selected for internationally sponsored government training programs.
The organization commends the County Development Officers from Bong, Sinoe, River Gee, Rivercess, Margibi, Grand Bassa, and Grand Gedeh counties who are participating in the training. Naymote encourages them to use the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, build professional networks, and return better equipped to support county institutions. The organization remains committed to constructive engagement with the Ministry of Local Government, emphasizing the need for a prompt, documented response and impartial investigation.
Key points
- Naymote Partners for Democratic Development demands an investigation into the selection of Lofa County's representative for an AARDO-supported training program in India.
- The organization alleges that a politically connected individual was selected while the county's designated Development Officer was excluded.
- Naymote calls on the Minister of Local Government and the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate and clarify the circumstances surrounding the selection.
