SUAKOKO, Bong County – Nimba County Senator Samuel Kogar has publicly questioned the speech delivered by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, during the 64th Commencement Convocation of Cuttington University, arguing that the Vice President should not make financial commitments on behalf of the government outside the national budget process.
Speaking to reporters following the graduation ceremony, Senator Kogar said while he welcomed the government’s willingness to support Cuttington University, he believed the Vice President’s announcement of electricfying Cuttington University’s campus with solar lights creates the impression that public funds were being committed without legislative approval.
“The approach to the public should be clear and transparent,” Kogar said. “When you commit government resources, there should be an appropriation in the national budget approved by the Legislature. Government commitments should not appear as personal promises.”
The Nimba County lawmaker stressed that protecting and supporting public institutions is a constitutional responsibility of government, but emphasized that such assistance must follow established legal and budgetary procedures.
“If someone wants to make a personal contribution from his salary or private resources, that should be clearly identified as a personal donation,” he said. “But if it is a government commitment, then it should be captured in the national budget and approved through the proper legislative process.”
Kogar clarified that his criticism was directed at the Vice President in his official capacity and not as a personal attack.
“I am not speaking to Jeremiah Koung as an individual,” he explained. “I am speaking to him as Vice President of the Republic of Liberia because he spoke on behalf of the government.”
Responding to questions about whether he was disappointed by the President’s message delivered through the Vice President, Kogar said his concern was not political but centered on governance and accountability.
When also asked whether he felt slighted after not being formally recognized during the commencement program, despite serving as Senator of Nimba County, Kogar dismissed suggestions that he had been insulted. “I don’t have problems with that,” he said. “Programs follow protocols, and those captured in the program are recognized.”
He noted that he attended the ceremony primarily as the parent of a graduate, revealing that his daughter earned a master’s degree from the university.
Kogar also praised part of the Vice President’s commencement address, particularly the emphasis on character.
“The message about characters is true,” he said. “Education must be accompanied by good character.”
However, he added that while the principle was commendable, he questioned what he described as the context in which it was presented, stating, “The message is true, but the evidence is false.”
The senator declined to elaborate further on that remark, saying he would leave the interpretation to the media and the public.
Vice President Koung, who delivered the commencement address, announced the government’s intention to support Cuttington University with initiatives aimed at improving the institution’s infrastructure and development, especially in the area of electricity.
