-Senator Accepts His Expulsion from MDR, Accuses Government of Treachery
By Shallon S. Gonlor |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
GANTA CITY, Nimba County – Expelled Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) Senator Samuel G. Kogar has publicly accepted his ouster from the party, as he accuses the Unity Party-led government,
of betraying and contributing to the death of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.
Kogar’s comments come days after the MDR formally expelled him on August 29, 2026, citing his public criticisms of President Boakai, which party leadership deemed incompatible with its alliance with the Unity Party. However, speaking to his supporters in Ganta City on Sunday, Senator Kogar framed his dismissal as a potential boon rather than a political death knell.
He noted that history is replete with politicians who have flourished after being cast out of their parties. “But I accept the expulsion,” Kogar told his constituents. “Maybe my expulsion will bring a promotion or will make me prominent in society. Who knows?”
Meanwhile, Kogar alleged that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration reneged on a political understanding with Johnson, whose crucial backing in the 2023 presidential election helped deliver victory for the ruling coalition. Kogar claimed the government’s subsequent pursuit of a War and Economic Crimes Court constituted a direct act of treachery against the deceased lawmaker.
“Then, the Rescue government betrayed and killed Senator Johnson, who supported the government to gain state power,” Kogar declared. The senator’s remarks inject new fuel into a long-simmering political controversy surrounding the legacy of Johnson, a former warlord turned influential politician and cleric who passed away on November 28, 2024, following a period of illness.
Kogar suggested that the political pressure exerted on Johnson regarding the establishment of a war crimes tribunal contributed to his deteriorating health and eventual demise. He claimed the controversy surrounding the court appeared to dissipate following Johnson’s death, reinforcing his belief that the proposed tribunal was specifically designed to target the Nimba County stalwart.
The senator drew comparisons to previous administrations, arguing that former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Weah had resisted similar pressures due to Johnson’s political sway. He contended that Johnson supported the Boakai-Koung ticket in 2023 with a clear expectation that the new administration would shield him from accountability proceedings.
In a conciliatory gesture toward former political rivals, Kogar also signaled a willingness to reconcile with deposed House Speaker Fonati Koffa, stating that he is not too proud to apologize for past disagreements.
He dismissed speculation that his recent participation in a Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) roundtable signals a political alignment with former President George Weah, insisting he retains full autonomy to determine his next steps. Kogar argued his expulsion has liberated him from party constraints, allowing him to freely chart his political future.
Note: Senator Kogar’s claim that the government “killed” Senator Johnson remains a political allegation. No official medical or judicial findings have established a causal link between political events and Senator Johnson’s death.
