MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The recent expulsion of Senator Samuel G. Kogar from the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) has highlighted a growing divide between him and the party leadership.
Chairman Cooper Kruah has come forward to defend the decision, labeling it a constitutional disciplinary action.
In contrast, Kogar argues that this move is part of a government-supported scheme to oust him without following proper procedures.
Kruah explained that Kogar’s expulsion stemmed from alleged violations of the MDR’s Constitution and bylaws, as well as his lack of participation in a disciplinary process that had been set in motion against him.
“Anyone who contravenes the Constitution and bylaws of the party, that person will be dealt with in keeping with what the law says,” Kruah stated.
The chairman of the MDR asserted that the party received a formal complaint regarding Kogar, shared a copy with him, and allowed him the chance to respond.
Kruah noted that Kogar initially agreed to participate in the investigation but then started making excuses that dragged out the process.
“Until the matter was assigned for further hearing, he did not show up, and his lawyer did not show up,” Kruah explained, adding, “So, that was a waiver of their right to be heard.”
Following this, the disciplinary committee met, discussed the situation, and recommended that Kogar be expelled, according to Kruah, who noted that the party accepted this recommendation, which means Kogar is no longer a member of the MDR.
The chairman also mentioned that any assets or property belonging to the party that are currently in Kogar’s possession should be returned to the organization.
However, Kogar has a very different perspective on the situation.
In a Facebook statement released during the unfolding events at the MDR headquarters in Congo Town, the senator claimed that his removal was being orchestrated with the support of the government and accused party officials of trying to silence him.
“I strongly believe that what is happening at the MDR Party Headquarters today is a government-backed attempt to remove me from the party without due process,” Kogar wrote.
He highlighted the presence of police officers at the party headquarters, expressing concerns about intimidation and the stifling of legitimate political expression.
“The heavy police presence raises serious concerns and gives the appearance of an attempt to intimidate and silence legitimate political expression, which is protected under the laws of Liberian,” he stated.
Kogar isn’t ready to accept the party’s disciplinary measures as the final word, cautioning that he will contest any actions taken against him that he believes fall outside the proper legal and constitutional framework.
“Liberia is a nation governed by law,” he emphasized, adding, “Any action taken against me outside the proper the legal and constitutional processes will be challenged through the appropriate legal means.”
The Nimba County senator then urged everyone—international players, Liberians, civil society groups, and the media—to keep a close eye on the unfolding situation.
“I’m calling on the international community to really pay attention to what’s happening right now at the MDR Party Headquarters in Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia,” Kogar stated.
He also encouraged Liberians and the civil society to stay updated on the developments, emphasizing his dedication to resolving the dispute through peaceful and democratic means.
“I’m committed to peace, the rule of law, and the democratic process,” he affirmed.
Kogar sees the dispute mainly as a matter of due process, but Kruah believes it also touches on the senator’s political behavior and the MDR’s ties to the governing Unity Party.
The MDR is aligned with the political coalition backing President Joseph Boakai, and Kruah emphasized that party members should honor that political alliance.
“This party is working alongside the Unity Party. We’re part of the government,” Kruah stated.
He raised concerns about what he called Kogar’s tendency to criticize or oppose an administration that the MDR supports.
“You can’t be part of the government and act like you’re in the opposition within the same government you belong to,” Kruah pointed out.
The MDR chairman went on to clarify that several of Kogar’s recent public remarks were made without any input from the party, meaning they don’t reflect the official stance of the MDR.
“A lot of what he’s been saying lately wasn’t discussed with the party; those are just his personal opinions,” Kruah explained.
Kruah took the opportunity of the expulsion to reinforce the MDR’s commitment to President Boakai and the Unity Party.
“This party stands firmly with the Unity Party and with this president,” he declared, adding, “We backed him yesterday, we’re backing him today, and we’ll continue to back him in the future.”
He made it clear that the party wouldn’t stand for any actions that could jeopardize its bond with the Unity Party, especially if those actions go against MDR rules.
“Anything that tries to interfere with the relationship that we have with the Unity Party, if it contravenes our laws, we will not hesitate for the gavel to hit the table,” Kruah warned.
The disagreement now showcases two starkly contrasting stories. On one side, the MDR leadership claims that Kogar’s expulsion came after a proper internal disciplinary procedure, where he had the chance to defend himself but didn’t show up for the hearing.
On the other hand, Kogar sees this situation as an unjust attempt to push him out of the party, fueled by government pressure and a show of security that he feels was meant to intimidate him.
It’s important to remember that neither side’s claims should be seen as definitively proven without additional evidence or a formal ruling.
However, what stands out, though, is that this disagreement has escalated from a simple internal party issue to a larger political conflict involving due process, party loyalty, freedom of political expression, and the MDR’s ties with the Boakai administration.
For now, Kruah has made it clear that the decision is final. “So, for today, Senator Samuel G. Kogar is no longer a member of the MDR,” he announced.
On the other hand, Kogar has indicated that he plans to contest any actions he believes were taken unlawfully.
This means the next showdown might not take place within the MDR’s walls, but rather in the legal and political arenas, where Kogar intends to seek justice.
