By Edwin N. Khakie
Suakoko, Bong County, June 29, 2026 – Nimba County Senator Samuel Kogar has questioned the government’s handling of the reported US$19.2 million cocaine trafficking case, describing Liberia’s security system as vulnerable and calling for a comprehensive investigation into the country’s security institutions.
Speaking to reporters following Cuttington University’s 64th Commencement Convocation on Saturday, Kogar said the scale of the cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport exposes serious weaknesses within Liberia’s security architecture.
He urged investigators to conduct a thorough and transparent probe capable of identifying everyone connected to the case, including any institutions that may have played a role.
“The investigation should not stop with those directly linked to the shipment. It must expose everyone involved so that public confidence in the country’s security system can be restored,” Kogar said.
The senator also criticized Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung’s announcement that the government would support Cuttington University by providing solar electricity to the campus.
Kogar argued that while government support for higher education is appropriate, commitments involving public funds should be approved through the national budget process.
“The approach to the public should be clear and transparent,” he said. “When government resources are being committed, there should be an appropriation in the national budget approved by the Legislature. Government commitments should not appear as personal promises.”
He added that contributions made from the personal resources of public officials should be clearly distinguished from official government commitments.
“If someone wants to make a personal contribution from his salary or private resources, that should be identified as a personal donation. But if it is a government commitment, then it should be reflected in the national budget and approved through the proper legislative process,” Kogar said.
The Nimba County lawmaker stressed that his criticism was directed at the Office of the Vice President rather than Jeremiah Koung as an individual.
“I am not speaking to Jeremiah Koung as an individual. I am speaking to him as Vice President of the Republic of Liberia because he spoke on behalf of the government,” he said.
Responding to questions about not being formally recognized during the commencement program, Kogar dismissed suggestions that he had been slighted.
“I don’t have problems with that. Programs follow protocols, and those captured in the program are recognized,” he said.
Kogar disclosed that he attended the ceremony primarily as a parent, noting that his daughter earned a master’s degree from Cuttington University.
Despite his criticism, the senator commended one aspect of the Vice President’s address, agreeing that character remains an essential component of education.
“The message about character is true,” Kogar said. “Education must be accompanied by good character.”
He added, however, that while the principle was commendable, he questioned its application, stating, “The message is true, but the evidence is false.”
Vice President Koung used the commencement ceremony to announce the government’s intention to support Cuttington University through infrastructure development, including plans to improve campus electricity.
