Gbarnga, Bong County - Supporters of Ranney Jackson had something to cheer at over the weekend when a verdict to an in-house settlement between him and his former deputy and predecessor Lucia Herbert was ruled in his favor.

The pair renewed their long standing row when Lucia reneged not to return assets of the county in her possession until Jackson returns items he has for the County.

In a letter addressed to the then-acting Superintendent Rep. Corpu Barclay, a copy of which is in the possession of FrontPageAfrica, the former Bong County Superintendent insisted that she would only return those items unless the Bong Legislative Caucus pressurizes Jackson to do same.

“I, Lucia Herbert, remain defiant over the caucus appeal not to return the generator and other items for the County in my possession. I would be moved to return all of the County assets if Jackson gave his,” the letter continued.

She, however, accused the caucus of being impartial in their quest of ensuring accountability in retrieving County assets and revenues.

It was from such public refusal that shrugged Jackson into action when he instituted a lawsuit against Herbert for what he termed as “character assignation”. Jackson’s lawsuit stance against his former deputy in November triggered a wave of appeals from elites of the County who requested an out-of-court settlement.

One of such, Jorquelleh District Commissioner Edward Yarkpawolo, described the act as a ‘mockery and shame’ to witness two previous leaders of the County pitting their strength in a court of competent jurisdiction.

Yarkpawolo: “It won’t mean well for Bong County. To see Lucia in court with her former boss Ranney Jackson will paint a negative image for Bong.”

Barworlor’s perception was overwhelmingly endorsed and subsequent prompted an investigative team that was headed by the Chairman of the National Traditional Council of Liberia chief Zanzar Karwor and former Solicitor General Tiawon Gongloe was established.

In his latest ruling, chief Karwor said Madam Herbert failed to provide substantial evidence to her multiple claims against Jackson ranging from the USD 10,000 saga to the embezzlement of the USD5,000 for a fish pond project that now lies in shamble.

Karwor told FPA: “In the midst of chiefs and stakeholders accused by the former Superintendent, Madam Herbert could not prove her case against Jackson when given the chance. We noticed that she lied on Jackson!!!!!!”

Herbert returns Generator

Chief Karwor also confirmed to FPA that Madam Herbert, having been found guilty, relinquished the generator to the County leadership as part of a pledge to restore accountability.

Making the revelation, Karwor added: “The County has finally retrieved the generator from Madam Herbert.” He hailed the move as the beginning of an era to establish a culture that will deprive leaders from taking possession of county properties.

Jackson’s Integrity Restored?

Since Herbert’s public apology to Jackson in a forum that comprised of his political foes, vast majority of Bongese have been struggling hard to herald the ramifications of her public assertion amid a turbulent history that characterized their helm.

Such an open confession in perception is rewarding especially for a character that, since his return to Bong County from the United States in 2005, has supposedly been the most unfairly maligned elite in the County.

But Jackson in his post-conflict interview seemed ruffled and said it was in the interest of the County. Responding to his former Deputy’s apology, Jackson said: “I receive her apology with peace void of hatred and animosity. I owe nothing against my sister.”

Continuing, Jackson averred: “People in Bong County have found so much pleasure in damaging my reputation on things I know nothing about. My response to all these multiple attacks on my character had always been fixed: Only God can speak for me.”

A political boast?

When FrontPageAfrica reporter in the County sampled the views of residents regarding the verdict, all of the praises went Jackson’s way. For the fact that Madam Herbert could not substantially prove her claim, the Gbarnga residents said they were wholeheartedly convinced that the claims that had been directed at Jackson had some political undertone.

Indeed, however, last week’s exoneration from an array of entrenched claims evitably proves a defining moment for Jackson’s political renewal. Jackson, with an eye on the mid-term election, has been busy in recent weeks providing further clarities to individuals with perceived notions regarding claims against his integrity.

And with chief Karwor setting the record straight and Madam Herbert making a public apology, political observers are convinced that this latest revelation in Jackson’s life will linger in his memory for long and could probably serve as a channel to drive him to his coveted destination (The Capitol Building).