MDR Expels Nimba Senator Kogar: Cites Boakai Criticism, Party Discipline

• Nimba County Senator Samuel G. Kogar was expelled from the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) party on August 29.
• The MDR's National Executive Committee voted 33-4 to remove Senator Kogar for publicly criticizing the Unity Party-led government, which the MDR supports.
• Kogar rejected the expulsion, alleging it was a government-backed effort to remove him without due process, and plans to challenge it in court.
• MDR Chairman Cllr. Cooper Kruah stated the party followed due process, but Kogar and his lawyer failed to appear for subsequent hearings after an initial submission.
• Kogar's criticisms included the government's handling of a US$317 million drug seizure investigation and accusations of selective justice.

Senator Kogar, however, immediately rejected the decision, asserting it was a "government-backed effort" orchestrated by the ruling party to remove him without due process, and declared his intention to challenge the expulsion in court.

Nimba County Senator Samuel G. Kogar has been formally expelled from the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) party, following a vote by the party's National Executive Committee. The decision, which took place on Saturday, August 29, at the MDR's headquarters in Monrovia, saw 33 of the 37 committee members present vote in favor of his removal. This action stems from Senator Kogar's public criticisms of the Unity Party-led administration, a government in which the MDR holds a collaborative role.

MDR Chairman and Labor Minister, Cllr. Cooper Kruah, articulated the party's rationale, stating that an individual cannot simultaneously be part of a governing coalition and operate as an opposition figure within that same administration. He emphasized that such actions were deemed detrimental to the party's interests. Senator Kogar, however, immediately rejected the decision, asserting it was a "government-backed effort" orchestrated by the ruling party to remove him without due process, and declared his intention to challenge the expulsion in court.

The MDR's decision to expel Nimba Senator Kogar follows months of escalating public criticism he directed at the government's performance, particularly concerning governance and the rule of law. A significant point of contention was his outspoken stance on the investigation into Liberia's largest drug seizure, valued at over US$317 million. Senator Kogar publicly demanded the resignation or dismissal of Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman, citing allegations of police officer involvement in the high-profile case.

Furthermore, Senator Kogar accused the administration of practicing selective justice, alleging that it pursued figures associated with the previous government while simultaneously protecting its own. He specifically highlighted concerns that the government might be shielding individuals involved in drug activities, rather than focusing on accountability across the board. In a direct challenge, he stated that Joseph Boakai, Sr. is not above the law and should face investigation if accused of drug-related offenses, with public transparency regarding any such inquiry.

In response to Senator Kogar's claims of a lack of due process, MDR Chairman Cllr. Cooper Kruah provided a detailed account of the party's disciplinary proceedings. According to Kruah, the party received a formal complaint against Senator Kogar and initiated a process that included providing him with a copy of the complaint and an opportunity to participate in an investigation. This procedural step, Kruah maintained, demonstrated the party's commitment to fairness.

However, Kruah stated that after initially engaging with the process, Senator Kogar subsequently offered repeated excuses and failed to appear for scheduled further hearings. His legal counsel also reportedly did not attend these sessions. Cllr. Cooper Kruah interpreted these actions as a "waiver of their right to be heard," leading the committee to deliberate and ultimately recommend the Samuel Kogar MDR expulsion. The party's leadership underscored that any member contravening its constitution and bylaws, especially in ways that interfere with its alliance with the Unity Party, would face similar disciplinary action.

The immediate consequence of the MDR expels Nimba Senator Kogar decision is that he can no longer represent the party or speak on its behalf. Furthermore, the party has mandated that any assets or property belonging to the MDR currently in his possession must be returned. This move by the MDR leadership, particularly Cllr. Cooper Kruah, sends a clear message about party discipline within Liberia's political landscape.

This case underscores the legal scrutiny applied to internal party disciplinary actions in Liberia, particularly concerning due process. The MDR's firm stance indicates a commitment to upholding its internal regulations and its political alliances. Senator Kogar's stated intention to challenge the expulsion in court suggests that the legal battle over this internal party matter is far from over, potentially setting a precedent for how political parties manage dissent and enforce discipline.

This case underscores the legal scrutiny applied to internal party disciplinary actions in Liberia, particularly concerning due process. Lawyers advising political parties or individuals should review party constitutions and ensure strict adherence to procedural fairness to mitigate potential court challenges.

Source: Original reporting via local Liberian media