“You Are Not Politicians”! Internal Affairs Ministry Cautions Newly Appointed Chiefs in Bomi

By Ernest Kpehe Moibah| Correspondent, Bomi County

Tubmanburg, Bomi County, September 4, 2025-The Ministry of Internal Affairs, through its Deputy Minister for Operations, Selena Mappy, has cautioned newly appointed chiefs in Bomi County to remain apolitical and focus solely on serving their communities.

Speaking during an induction ceremony in Tubmanburg on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Minister Mappy reminded the chiefs that their role is rooted in traditional service, conflict resolution, and community development not Partisan Politics.

The induction ceremony drew together over 50 chiefs across Bomi County, alongside commissioners of the five administrative districts, county authorities, women groups, and youth representatives.

Chiefs Warned Against Partisan Affiliations

Minister Mappy emphasized that traditional leaders should avoid aligning themselves with any political party or individual, stressing that their neutrality is critical for sustaining peace and unity.

“Your duty is to serve your people without political bias,” she said. “As chiefs, you must rise above politics and work with all citizens to ensure harmony and development.”

According to her, the separation of traditional leadership from partisan politics is essential to protect the credibility of chiefs and safeguard their authority in resolving disputes and uniting communities.

“As you assume these responsibilities, you are acting in your respective positions. Your foremost obligation is to work closely with your people to ensure smooth leadership,” she stated.

Community Leaders Welcome the Appointments

Commissioner Momo Seh, speaking on behalf of Commissioner Council, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and extended congratulations to the newly appointed chiefs.

“The Commissioner Council stands ready to work with you. Together, we can push for the growth and development of Bomi County,” Commissioner Seh pledged.

Chiefs Pledge Unity and Service

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Senjeh District Paramount Chief Mounama Jah described the program as “historic” in the lives of chiefs in Bomi.

He urged his fellow chiefs to prioritize service to their people and build strong working relationships with sub-chiefs, clan chiefs, and commissioners.

“We must work in unity. Our people are looking to us for leadership, and we cannot fail them,” Chief Jah declared in a joyful tone.

While the Internal Affairs official urges chiefs to refrain from partisanship, report has linked Internal Affairs Ministry to rising accusations of partisanship among traditional chiefs, tied to claims of unequal development distribution. The July 14, 2025 edition of the FrontPage Africa News Paper reported escalating chaos in Lofa after county authorities controversially installed a Paramount Chief without proper community consultation; an action seen as a direct violation of both tradition and the Local Government Act. This raises a critical question: Is the Ministry of Internal Affairs saying one thing but doing another?