By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, August 5, 2026 — Dr. Jeremiah Z. Whapoe, political leader of the Vision for Liberia Transformation Party, has called for an immediate ceasefire between Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and Nimba County Senator Samuel Gongben Kogar over the disputed “political godfather” title in Nimba County.
Speaking Monday in an interview with The New Dawn at his party headquarters on Old Road, Congo Town, Whapoe described the controversy as a misunderstanding among political actors and urged Nimba County stakeholders to convene a unity meeting between the two leaders.
Whapoe said the title of political godfather is not a formal position that can be conferred through a ceremony. He said it is earned through service, character, advocacy for the people, and goodwill toward the county.
“The best thing we can do is bring Vice President Koung and Senator Kogar together and talk to them so this matter can be resolved and Nimba can speak with one voice,” Whapoe said.
He said he had volunteered to help reconcile the two leaders and had already spoken with both men. According to Whapoe, Koung told him he is not interested in the godfather title but in the interest of the county, while Kogar was receptive to efforts to settle the dispute.
Whapoe said Nimba County would make faster development progress if the separate efforts of Koung and Kogar were coordinated. He said the dispute has created bitterness among supporters and weakened unity in the county.
Responding to concerns about a possible protest by Nimba County chiefs and elders, Whapoe said he does not expect a protest because both leaders are willing to resolve the matter. He said Kogar has acknowledged the relationship between himself and Koung.
“Those who are fueling the fire should stop because the two leaders will settle this matter,” Whapoe said. “I want them to cease fire, and I will be one of the principal leaders working to ensure this is done. The godfather position is not a job description that anyone can demand. It is about relationship and character.”
