Monrovia — Nimba County Senator Samuel Kogar has defended the recent financial donation made by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koon to the finalists of the National County Sports Meet, describing the gesture as an act of leadership rather than bribery.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference in Monrovia, Senator Kogar said the Vice President was “right to share the money between the two counties” and noted that the decision demonstrated fairness and leadership, which he said Nimba County embraced.
Recently, Vice President Koon, through his office assistant, donated US$5,000 each to the two finalists of the tournament — Grand Kru and Nimba counties. However, because the Vice President hails from Nimba County, the donation sparked public criticism, with some observers interpreting it as an attempt to influence the outcome of the final in favor of Nimba.
The controversy deepened after the money intended for Grand Kru County was received and appropriated by the county’s Superintendent, Antoinette Worwlee Nimely. Critics argued that the acceptance of the funds compromised the integrity of the final match.
The allegations come against the backdrop of earlier controversy in the tournament. Days before the final, Nimba County was accused of bribing Margibi County players during the semifinal match, which Nimba won decisively by 5–1. Following that game, angry fans reportedly confronted players, and some players allegedly confessed to having compromised the match.
Despite the growing speculation and public outcry, Senator Kogar dismissed claims that the Vice President’s donation was intended to influence the competition. He stressed that the funds were shared equally between both finalist counties and should not be misconstrued as favoritism.
As debates continue over the integrity of the National County Sports Meet, sports authorities and the public alike are calling for clearer rules and stronger oversight to prevent financial influence and restore confidence in Liberia’s premier sporting
