LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – USA – Longtime political rivals Senator Prince K. Moye and Representative Josiah Marvin Cole publicly reconciled during the United Bong County Association in the Americas (UBCAA) national convention, something many considered as impossible.
The two men divided Bong County’s legislative caucus, traded accusations, and undermined one other’s goals for years as they stood on opposing ends of the political spectrum. However, something changed. In front of hundreds of people, the two hugged, shook hands, and vowed to put an end to their political and personal conflicts. After initially being surprised, the audience erupted in roaring applause.
The occasion was both important and emotional with both men smiling, Rep. Cole stood shoulder to shoulder with Senator Moye and declared, “I will step aside and let you go if we have the same opportunity to become President of Liberia.” The applause from the crowd filled the hall as they stood up in delight.
Their rivalry dates in 2017, a direct threat to Rep. Cole emerged as Senator Moye, who was then a representative invested his political weight behind Gbarnga businessman Orando Zarwolo in a tense District 3 battle, but the winner was Rep. Cole. The positions were switched three years later, with Cole supporting then-Senator Henry Yallah to defeat Moye in the 2020 Senate race, but Snator Moye won the election.
Their hatred didn’t stop there, Moye, who is currently a senator for the Unity Party, emerged as a key opposition figure in 2023 as the Unity Party was ready to take on the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), while Cole stuck with the CDC.
Representative Cole and Representative Eugene Kollie of District Five declined to back Senator Moye’s leadership of the Bong Legislative Caucus when the Unity Party eventually won the presidency. Rep. Cole’s annoyance quickly spread to the general population. After declaring his intention to leave the caucus, he stated, “I am unable to be led by a man who is divisive.”
However, on that platform in Kentucky, all of that hate appeared to vanish. “I would want to personally tell Senator Moye, my brother and friend, that the American people, both domestically and internationally, have warmed my heart, and I now forgive you for all I have ever held against you. Bong County’s senior senator is Senator Moye. I have made the solemn promise that I will never publicly criticize Senator Moye till the day I die.” Rep. Cole exclaimed, emotion exploding in his voice.
Another outspoken opponent of Moye, Representative Eugene Kollie, also spoke up with remarks that many people were not prepared to hear. “I would like to participate in this process of reconciliation. I am referring to Senator Moye today as Bong County god father. We’re going to collaborate going forward,” Rep. Kollie noted.
Visibly touched, Senator Moye answered with elegance and conviction. “I want to express my gratitude to the organizers of this convention. I want to reaffirm my promise to never publicly criticize Hon. Cole. If I have any problems with him, I’ll call him on the phone. We have a lot of potential, Hon. Cole and I together can use it to build Bong County.”
