Monrovia, Liberia ~ A dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape may be underway, following an explosive public statement issued by the senior political advisor to Senator Samuel Gongben Kogar of Nimba County.
In a post shared on social media Tuesday, Armstrong Gobac Selekpoh, senior political advisor to Senator Kogar, revealed a list of “non-negotiable demands” presented to Vice President Jeremiah B. Koung. The statement follows a recent interview by the senator, which has reportedly triggered a wave of calls and concern from citizens of Nimba County at home and abroad.
According to the advisor, Senator Kogar remains willing to align with the Vice President ~ but only if the following conditions are met within 30 days:
1. Immediate transfer of the MDR Political Leader position to Senator Kogar.
2. Appointment of Kogar as Chair of the Nimba Legislative Caucus without delay.
3. A deposit of $100,000 USD into the MDR account to allow Kogar to organize a party convention and lead a full restructuring.
4. Provision of four new pickup vehicles for MDR operations.
5. Ten presidential appointment slots allocated to “Team Kogar”, including a seat on the ArcelorMittal Board.
6. An immediate release of $75,000 USD to fund a “thank you” tour across Nimba, Gbi, and Doru, and road repairs in Gbi (Camp #1).
7. A signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ensuring that Senator Kogar and the Nimba Caucus will determine the region’s political direction without interference from the VP.
8. Full authority for Kogar to assume the role of “godfather of Nimba”, in the same manner as political heavyweight Prince Y. Johnson previously did.
9. The creation of a reconciliation committee for Nimba, to be led by Kogar, with a budget of $150,000 to support its work among others.
The message was clear: “failure to meet these demands within the given timeframe will lead to Senator Kogar splitting from the MDR and forming his own political party” Armstrong declared.
Tensions Within MDR
The Movement for Democratic and Reconstruction (MDR), once a closely united party under the guidance of political figures like Prince Y. Johnson and now Vice President Koung, appears to be facing internal pressure from rising power blocs within Nimba County.
While the Vice President has yet to officially respond, sources within the MDR indicate that these demands have sent shockwaves through the party’s leadership.
Analysts say the senator’s demands, particularly the call to take over the party leadership and unilaterally shape the political future of Nimba County, could signal a deeper power struggle ~ one that could influence national politics ahead of future elections.
As the political dust settles, all eyes remain on Vice President Koung and whether he will yield to the senator’s hardline position or risk a major rift within the party’s ranks.
