11/10/2026
OPINION: For Nimba Unity to Be Credible, It Must Be Inclusive and Opportunity-Driven
Unity is a noble ideal. Every Nimbaian wants it. We love to say, "Nimba is one." But unity cannot be credible when it is built on exclusion, and it can not be led by those who have not demonstrated the capacity to unite their own immediate circles.
We have observed with concern the activities of the Nimba Solidarity Movement for Unity. The name sounds good — Solidarity, Unity — but a good name is not enough. The structure and actions raise serious, legitimate questions that must be answered if this movement wants the trust of Nimbaians.
FIRST: WHO IS LEADING THIS UNITY?
A movement that wants to unite a whole county as big and diverse as Nimba must look like Nimba in its leadership. Right now, it does not.
So we must ask openly:
1. Who really constitutes the leadership of this Movement, and how were they selected? Was there a consultation?
2. Where is the role of the student community — our own Nimba University, LICC, PYJ Polytechnic? The future of Nimba is in the classroom.
3. Where are the other prominent sons and daughters of Nimba who may have different views on policy? Unity is not an agreement on everything. Unity is respecting different views.
4. Where is the voice of the common people? The market women in Ganta, the motorcyclists in Sanniquellie, the farmers in Bahn and Karnplay? If they are not in the room, whose unity is it?
SECOND: WHAT DIVISION ARE WE FIXING?
Since the 2023 general elections, Nimbaians have not been divided. We voted — some for this party, some for that party — but after elections, we went back to the farm, to school, to market. We have coexisted peacefully.
So, what is this new division that now needs a new movement to fix? We must be careful not to create a problem just to justify a solution.
What is even more concerning is that this movement appears to be undermining existing, community-rooted organizations such as UNICCO and KWADO, which have long worked and sacrificed for Nimba's development You can not preach unity while you are busy fragmenting existing unity structures. That is a contradiction Nimbaians can see.
THIRD: NIMBA NEEDS REAL UNITY, NOT T-SHIRT UNITY.
This is the most important point.
Nimba does not need symbolic unity. Nimba needs substantive unity.
Symbolic unity is printing T-shirts and busing people for photo opportunities.
Substantive unity is using the positions and influence you have been given to create jobs and open opportunities for Nimbaians across all six cities — Ganta, Sanniquellie, Saclepea, Bahn, Karnplay, and Tapita
Let us be honest and ask the practical questions that matter to our people:
Will transportation to a rally provide food for a family the next day?
Will a T-shirt pay a child's school fees in Gompa or Bahn?
Will a T-shirt secure admission to Nimba University or LICC?
The people of Nimba voted in 2023 for "opportunity, not optics." They voted for development, not political positioning.They voted for jobs, not for camera lights.
My Recommendation
My recommendation to all Nimba officials in government is simple and direct:
The most powerful act of unity you can perform is not a rally. It is to ensure fair and equitable access to job opportunities for Nimbaians. That is the unity our people will feel in their homes. That is the unity that will keep our sons and daughters from leaving Nimba.
Until unity means shared opportunity rather than a cartel of access intended to impress the Vice President, it will not earn the confidence of the people.
In short, unity is not sewn into a T-shirt. Unity is built through equity, inclusivity, and opportunity.
Let us be serious. Let us put Nimba first.
Thanks Signed:
Emmanuel M Gruzian
Son of District #5 Nimba County.
0776987819/0888542243.