VP Koung on divisive tribal politics
As Nimba Senatorial by-election comes closer
Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, is accused of renewing divisive tribal politics introduced by late Senator Prince Yorme Johnson in Nimba County, calling on the Mah-speaking people and all other tribes to give their votes to Senatorial Candidate Representative Samuel Kogar, from the Gio-speaking, instead of voting a candidate of their choice, which he says will be a waste, in the upcoming Senatorial By-election.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Nimba, Liberia, March 24, 2025 – Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung is seen here as elevating divisive and tribal politics in Nimba County following his warning to members of the Mah (Manor) tribe to leave the county’s senatorial seat exclusively for the Gio-speaking (Dan) people in order to have what he describes a “peaceful and balance” leadership in Nimba.
“It was not fair for one tribe to occupy the two seats. And so, because of the faction, I thought that when I left the seat, I believe that it was not fair for one tribe to occupy the seat. I am appealing to the Mah people of Nimba County and all others to allow the Dan people to take part in this election. I am begging the Mah people. I think the Mah people should leave this election for the Dan people since we already have a Mah senator. Let’s keep the balance to make the county stable. Let’s keep our country together and it will be in our interest” VP Koung appeals in a telephone interview in the county.
The late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, self-proclaimed godfather of Nimba Politics and kingmaker, came from the Gio tribe.
VP Koung further argues that it’s not fair for one tribe to occupy the county’s two senatorial seats, while urging rest of the tribes in Nimba to give the Gio-speaking people a chance.
Nimba County lone Senator, Nya D. Twayen, Jr., is a Manor native, the second largest tribal-speaking group in Nimba, while deceased Senator Johnson was a Gio native.
Now, the Gio tribe, from which VP Koung also hails, believe strongly that the senatorial vacancy is their entitlement to replace the late PYJ.
Incumbent Representative Samuel Kogar is the senatorial aspirant for the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), the party of the late Senator Johnson that is now being headed by Vice President Koung.
The National Elections Commission has scheduled April 22, 2025, as date for the Nimba County Senatorial by-election, featuring nineteen candidates.
The by-election is at the result of the death of deceased Nimba County Senator, self-proclaimed political godfather, and founder of the MDR, Prince Y. Johnson.
Senatorial Candidate, Samuel Kogar, is currently the sitting Representative of Nimba County district#5. If Representative Kogar is elected Senator of Nimba County, there will be another by-election in the county, particular district #5 due to his political elevation that will automatically create another vacancy, the 55th Legislature, specifically the House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, officially endorsing the senatorial bid of Rep. Kogar, Vice President Koung declares “I endorse the senatorial bid of Samuel Kogar, and I am calling on everyone to choose and vote Samuel Kongar. The late Senator Johnson was a shot shooter. Kogar is the guy to push and a voice in the middle at the Capital now. When he speaks, the people know that Nimba has spoken while Senator Nyan will do the diplomatic touching” he says.
He warns that if anyone voted other senatorial candidates than Kogar, they will be wasting their votes, while describing Representative Kogar as a fearless and bold person.
‘’Now, the Dan people I am not wasting my time with you. If you don’t want the sheep, you spoil the vote. Any vote other than Kogar, you are wasting your vote. Give your vote to Kogar in buck. The Mah people, I am appealing to you. Please come to this coop. When I called the Dan people, they came to your coop. Please support the Dan candidate so we can have balance in the county”, The Vice President appeals to his kinsmen. Editing by Jonathan Browne
