MONROVIA – Concerned partisans of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) and citizens of Nimba County have issued a strongly worded statement condemning what they describe as “unprofessional, unethical, and disrespectful conduct” by Liberian National Police (LNP) Inspector General Gregory Coleman toward Senator Samuel Gongbein Kogar.
The controversy stems from Coleman’s recent appearance before the Liberian Senate to testify on the growing narcotics crisis and its implications for public health and national security. During the hearing, the police chief reportedly referred to Senator Kogar as “talking loosely” while the lawmaker was performing his constitutional oversight duties.
“Senator Kogar is not merely an individual; he is a direct representative of the people of Nimba County, the MDR, and a high-ranking member of the Liberian Senate,” the group stated in a press release issued Sunday, July 5, 2026. “An insult to him is an insult to the thousands of citizens who elected him and a direct affront to the integrity of the Honorable Senate as a whole.”
The partisans announced they are erecting a “political and social checkpoint” against what they termed a “culture of disrespect” toward national leaders. They vowed not to accept any leader being subjected to condescension, warning that public officials must remember they are accountable to the people through their elected representatives.
“As the head of a major paramilitary institution, Inspector General Coleman is expected to be the epitome of discipline, humility, and respect for the rule of law,” the statement read. “His behavior before the Senate was a direct contradiction of the values he is tasked to uphold.”
The group questioned the irony of a police chief charged with supervising law and order exhibiting such a lack of professional etiquette in the Senate chambers. “If the leader of the police force cannot show respect to the elected representatives of the people, what version of ‘discipline’ is he instilling in the officers under his command?” they asked.
While expressing full support for Senator Kogar, the group also voiced disappointment with the Senate’s collective leadership. They noted that the chamber initially sat in silence during Coleman’s remarks, only responding after Senator Kogar raised the concern himself.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” the partisans reminded fellow senators. “Today it is Senator Kogar; tomorrow it could be any of you. We urge the Senate to be more proactive in shielding its members from any overreach and personal attacks.”
The group stressed that the incident represents more than a personal slight, calling it a disregard for the constitutional principle of separation of powers between coordinate branches of government. They dismissed the possibility of a mere apology, characterizing Coleman’s remarks as “a calculated and deliberate outburst” rather than a slip of the tongue.
The statement formally calls upon President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence to commission an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter. The group urged that, depending on the findings, the leadership consider appropriate disciplinary actions—including possible suspension or dismissal of Inspector General Coleman.
The partisans concluded by reminding Coleman that national issues, particularly the devastating scourge of narcotic drugs, require “sober and mature discourse, not arrogance or dismissiveness.”
“The citizens of Nimba County and the members of the MDR remain vigilant,” the statement affirmed. “We will continue to stand firmly behind our leaders and demand that the high offices of our Senators be accorded the dignity and respect they deserve.”
The press release was signed by Polaris T. Laykama Wonyagror, Sr., Secretary of the Concerned Partisans, and approved by Professor Jerome G.N. Nyenka, Chairman.
