IPNEWS: The political temperature in Bong County has risen after the current District #3 Representative Josiah Marvin Cole publicly accused former District #5 Representative and recent senatorial candidate Edward W. Karfiah of endorsing gay rights within the Methodist Church.
Speaking on a local radio station, Rep. Cole alleged that Karfiah has “legitimised gay rights” in the Methodist community, a claim that, if substantiated, could carry significant political consequences in the county. He urged members of the Methodist community who disagree with such positions to withhold their support from Karfiah in any future elections.
“If you are a Methodist and support Same-Sex Marriage don’t vote for me in any election in the country Rep. Cole stated during his broadcast.
“He has aligned himself with policies that undermine our faith. I call on the people of Bong County to be careful.”
Safeguarding his warning to the electorate, Rep. Cole implored citizens of Bong County to be “careful” with Karfiah, characterising his alleged stance on same-sex rights as contrary to prevailing religious sentiment in the region. He further called on Methodists who support same-sex marriage to refrain from voting for Karfiah.
Josiah Marvin Cole has served as Representative for the district known as Bong‑3, which covers parts of Gbarnga and surrounding communities.  He holds a seat in the national House of Representatives and is seen as a figure with strong ties to local religious networks and the Methodist community.
Edward W. Karfiah is the former Representative for District #5 and recently ran for the Senate in Bong County. He remains politically active and has been discussed as a contender for the 2029 senatorial race.  He commands significant support in certain quarters, although his alliances and political history have faced scrutiny. 
The comments have prompted mixed reactions among citizens and political observers. Some have criticised the tone of the accusations, suggesting they may deepen divisions in a county already marked by factional tensions. Others have shared sentiments of discomfort with the subject matter being used as a political weapon.
From religious quarters, there is a call for calm and for leaders to focus on issues of governance, development and unity rather than individual character assaults. A local Methodist minister, requesting anonymity, told The Liberia Times:
Observers note that using accusations tied to sexual orientation in an electoral campaign can risk inflaming prejudice or marginalizing groups, regardless of the veracity of the claims.
As of this writing, Edward Karfiah has not issued an official public response to the statements made by Representative Cole. By: Andrew B Weah , 0770637216/0886429103, andrewbweah@gmail.com
