By New Dawn

Copyright thenewdawnliberia

Representative J Marvin Cole of Jorquelleh District #3 has sharply rejected recent media reports suggesting he is unsettled by the Coalition for Democratic Change’s (CDC) restructuring of its Bong County leadership, describing such narratives as “baseless, misleading, and politically irrelevant” to his career.

By Edwin N Khakie

Gbarnga, Bong County –September 25, 2025: A FrontPage Africa article published this week claimed that Rep. Cole, now Vice Chairman for Operations of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), expressed concern that the elevation of James Zuannah as CDC County Chairman could provide a platform to challenge him in the 2029 legislative elections. The report further alleged that Rep. Cole lobbied unsuccessfully for the appointment of his allies to the CDC leadership.

But in a firm rebuttal, Rep. Cole dismissed the report as “propaganda intended to distract the people of Bong from the real issues of governance and development.”

“I no longer hold membership in the CDC. Their internal decisions, appointments, or leadership structure are none of my business. I am fully committed to the Citizens Movement for Change and the people of Jorquelleh District #3 who entrusted me with their mandate. CDC’s county chairmanship has no bearing on my political life, neither now nor in the future,” Rep. Cole said.

According to him, CDC should focus on rebuilding its fractured base following internal divisions, rather than using his name to generate headlines.

“The CDC leadership in Bong County has collapsed under its own weight. They should focus on repairing their broken structures and restoring trust with their supporters. I left CDC because it failed to uphold the principles of good governance and accountability, not because of who chairs the party in Bong County,” he stated.

The report further suggested that Rep. Cole dismissed or suspended staff and allies who refused to relocate from the CDC to the CMC. However, he strongly denied such allegations, terming them “fabricated stories meant to smear my reputation.”

“No one has ever been victimized because of political differences in my office. My Chief of Staff and other aides continue to serve diligently. These lies are coming from individuals who fear my growing influence under the CMC,” he emphasized.

Rep. Cole maintained that his decision to join the Citizens Movement for Change is a step towards building a new political culture in Bong County and Liberia at large. He emphasized that his focus is on legislation, development, advocacy, and championing accountability in public service, rather than petty political rivalries.

Meanwhile, some permanent residents of Bong County note that while the CDC still commands significant support in the County, Rep. Cole’s exit and subsequent rise in the CMC have altered the dynamics. Several traditional CDC supporters, particularly youth groups and women’s organizations, have reportedly pledged their support to Cole’s new political movement.

In closing, Rep. Cole urged the media to remain professional, balanced, and accurate in their reporting.

“The Liberian people deserve facts, not sensationalism. As leaders, we welcome scrutiny, but it must be rooted in truth and fairness. I will not be distracted by propaganda; my eyes are fixed on serving the people of Bong and Liberia,” he concluded. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah