Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has broken his silence amid swirling rumors of political tension between him and Nimba County Senator Samuel G. Kogar, firmly denying any feud and reaffirming his support for the senator.
Speaking on the Voice of Gompa radio station Monday morning, VP Koung dismissed widespread speculation that the two senior Nimba politicians are locked in a power struggle ahead of Liberia’s next elections.
“Nothing is going on between Kogar and I. I haven’t heard anything. All that’s circulating are just rumors,” Koung stated. “Even if the election were held today, I would fully support Kogar. I do not regret supporting him, and I will never regret doing so.”
Addressing perceptions of division within Nimba’s political leadership, the Vice President used a metaphor rooted in family and identity.
“If you check Senator Kogar and Senator Johnson’s DNA, it will be the same because they are brothers,” Koung said. “But if you compare Senator Johnson’s DNA with mine, it won’t match. That’s why I’m giving Kogar the space to lead the family.”
The Vice President’s comments come days after Senator Kogar made pointed remarks suggesting Koung may be overreaching in his political influence within the county.
“The Vice President is not the first of Nimba; he’s the second of the Republic,” Kogar said during a public appearance. “No other VP in Liberia has been reduced to a county figure. That’s wrong. You can be the referees, then you want to be football players.”
While acknowledging a cultural bond with Koung, Kogar emphasized his duty to speak out.
“Traditionally, Jeremiah Koung is my son, and I respect him,” the senator stated. “But as a leader, I must speak the truth. If he wants a face-off, I’m ready.”
The recent exchange has sparked widespread attention both within and beyond Nimba, a key political stronghold in Liberia. However, VP Koung’s remarks appear aimed at calming tensions and reinforcing unity.
It remains to be seen whether the two will move toward reconciliation or whether deeper political undercurrents are at play.
