09/13/2026
Bility to Return US$10,000 Received from Nimba County Government
Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility says he will return US$10,000 he received from the Nimba County Government, arguing that lawmakers should not directly receive or administer public funds from a county government they are mandated to oversee.
Bility, in a statement on Sunday, said he initially accepted the money in good faith, believing it was an approved allocation intended to support legislative and constituency engagement. He said he later reviewed the laws and rules governing the Legislature and concluded that accepting the money was a mistake.
According to Bility, any portion of the money already used or committed to activities benefiting District #7 will be replaced with his personal funds to ensure the entire US$10,000 is returned to the Nimba County Government.
The lawmaker said his decision should not be viewed as an accusation against the Nimba County Government or his fellow lawmakers, noting that he believes the money was given and received in good faith.
Bility said his decision was influenced by concerns over legislative independence, transparency and accountability, adding that lawmakers should focus on representation, legislation and oversight rather than becoming spending agents of county governments.
He said returning the money is, in his view, the appropriate course of action because “this is the people’s money.”