A recent action by Nimba County Electoral District #5 Representative, Samuel G. Kogar, who is seeking a senatorial post in the ensuing Nimba Senatorial By-Election, has left many, especially Nimbaians, wondering about the actual purpose of his action.
As he tried to appease scores of elders and voters, Rep. Kogar, during a political campaign, lay flat on the bare ground at the feet of elders at the occasion in a mark of respect.
Rep. Kogar, dressed in a locally woven traditional attire, was then surrounded by elders, amid surprise and laughter, with many questioning the sincerity of his action.
While the Nimba County Senatorial hopeful aimed to please local chiefs, elders, and voters with his respect for tradition, it left many to wonder whether his action was a clear mark of deception or desperation for power.
As the photo and video of the lawmaker trend on social media, especially Facebook, some commenters believe he was sycophantic in an attempt to lure more voters to his candidacy.
“Nimba deserves better. Liberia deserves better. We cannot continue to be fooled by [rhetoric] while the real issues go unaddressed. The deceit is too much, mehn! As citizens, let’s raise the bar. Let’s demand leadership that serves, not one that performs,” wrote one of the many Facebookers, Mamadee G. Kanneh, in a post concerning Rep. Kogar’s action.
The government-backed Rep. Kogar is running on the ticket of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MRD) of which Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung is the political leader.
The highly publicized Nimba County by-election is set for April 22, 2025, following Article 37 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution due to the death of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, known as “PYJ.”
Article 37 of the Liberian Constitution states that: “In the event of a vacancy in the Legislature caused by death, resignation, expulsion or otherwise, the presiding officer shall within 30 days notify the Elections Commission thereof. The Elections Commission shall not later than 90 days thereafter cause a by-election to be held; provided that where such vacancy occurs within 90 days prior to the holding of general elections, the filling of the vacancy shall await the holding of such general elections.”
