By Lincoln G. Peters
MONROVIA, Liberia, August 3, 2026 – Mines and Energy Minister R. Matenokay Tingban has dismissed claims that he donated 150 motorbikes to chiefs and elders in Nimba County, clarifying that the motorcycles were provided by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung in response to a request from traditional leaders seeking transportation to support their work.
The clarification follows public calls for the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to investigate the source of the motorbikes after they were presented in Nimba over the weekend.
Speaking Monday, Tingban said he merely delivered the donation on behalf of the Vice President.
According to the minister, chiefs and elders in Nimba had asked him during a meeting to relay their request for motorbikes to Vice President Koung to improve their mobility.
He said Koung initially purchased and donated 100 motorbikes using his personal resources. After the motorcycles were distributed, additional chiefs and elders reportedly complained that the number was insufficient, prompting the Vice President to provide 50 more.
“The Vice President mobilized his own resources and provided the first 100 motorbikes, which I presented on his behalf. When the chiefs informed me that many others had been left out, I conveyed the message to him, and he provided an additional 50 motorcycles,” Tingban said.
He rejected media reports suggesting that he personally financed the donation, describing them as “false and misleading.”
Tingban also defended the Vice President against critics questioning the donation, arguing that Koung has the financial means to purchase the motorcycles with his personal resources.
Responding to concerns over why the Vice President did not send one of his official staff members to present the donation, Tingban said he enjoys a close working relationship with Koung and that it was entirely within the Vice President’s discretion to choose his representative.
The minister further accused critics of attempting to undermine the Vice President because of his leadership role in Nimba County.
“They are fighting the Vice President because we are working to protect the interests of Nimba and bring development to the county. That is politics, and I understand it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tingban maintained that he would continue making personal donations within his financial means to individuals and groups that have supported him over the years.
“I work for the government and receive a salary and benefits. If I am in the position to assist friends, organizations, and those who stood with me through the rain and sunshine, I will continue to do so,” he said.
