Senator Samuel Gongben Kogar has voiced strong objections to a reported feast honoring the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, asserting that he was neither consulted nor informed about the event. In an interview with Radio Nimba, Kogar described the celebration as disrespectful to Johnson’s family and inappropriate given ongoing internal disputes. Kogar emphasized that traditional customs require family involvement in memorial events, and criticized organizers for bypassing this protocol. “I just heard about the feast it’s news to me,” he said.
“Traditionally, hosting a feast for someone’s father or relative without consulting the family is a sign of disrespect. If such plans exist, I should be contacted first and then consult our people.” He further revealed that unresolved tensions persist within Johnson’s family, particularly between his children and widow, making any public celebration premature. “There’s still division in the family,” Kogar noted. “You can’t celebrate while key relatives are in conflict. When the family is ready, I’ll inform the public but for now, we are not aware and there is no unity.”
Beyond the feast controversy, Senator Kogar took aim at the Unity Party-led administration, accusing it of replicating the same corruption and regional bias that it once condemned under the previous CDC government. He argued that the current leadership has concentrated power and appointments in Lofa County, echoing the CDC’s alleged favoritism toward the southeast. “We campaigned against CDC for its corruption and regionalism,” Kogar said. “But now, corruption is even deeper, and many believe they’re doing well.
The government is now centered in Lofa, with most top officials coming from there.” Kogar also criticized the recent replacement of Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot Paye with R. Mantenokay Tingban, suggesting the move was politically motivated and designed to sow division among Nimba citizens. “The removal of Minister Paye and appointment of Tingban is a tactic to pit Nimbaians against each other,” he asserted. “We weren’t consulted.
I speak frankly I commend good actions and condemn wrongdoing without fear.” Despite his grievances, Senator Kogar called for unity among the people of Nimba, urging them to remain cooperative and resilient. “Let’s continue to stand together,” he concluded. “I’m not disrespectful, but I speak the truth.”
