Published: May 15, 2025
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia — With emotion in his voice and fire in his tone, newly inducted Nimba County Senator Samuel G. Kogar pledged Tuesday to fight for development, honor the legacy of the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson, and deliver on the hopes of his constituent
“I promise today, with every fiber of my being, that I will never compromise your interests or those of our beloved Liberia for anything,” Kogar told the full plenary of the Liberian Senate during his inaugural address. “Nimba deserves better, and I will fight to make that better a reality. I will not let you down.”
Kogar, who previously represented Electoral District No. 5 in the House of Representatives for 14 years, recalled his early political journey with deep gratitude and reflection.
“You entrusted me with the responsibility to represent you in the House of Representatives,” he said, visibly emotional. “That decision set the stage for my growth in national leadership, and I remain eternally grateful.”
Honoring Prince Johnson’s Legacy
The new senator takes over from the late Prince Y. Johnson, a towering and controversial figure in Liberian politics. Kogar described Johnson as the political godfather of Nimba County.
“He was a man whose influence and legacy still echo across our county and country,” Kogar said. “The people of Nimba, in their overwhelming numbers, elected me to carry the torch he once held high. I do not take that lightly.”
He credited his rise to faith, perseverance, and community support, expressing gratitude to God and the people who stood with him.
Calls for Unity and National Focus
In a message aimed at his colleagues, Kogar pledged to bring a constructive, bipartisan spirit to the Senate.
“My presence here will be nothing short of positive,” he said. “I am here to contribute constructively, collaborate earnestly, and represent passionately in the interest of Liberia and the people of Nimba County.”
He emphasized the need to support President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s national development plan and urged lawmakers to act beyond party lines.
“Although I’m a proud member of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), I stand here not just as a partisan politician, but as a national leader. Liberians deserve unity, not division; progress, not politics as usual.”
Pro Tempore Welcomes Kogar
Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence welcomed Kogar to what she called the “House of Elders,” and emphasized a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
“We lead together by respecting the views and opinions of others,” she said. “We hold consultative meetings and follow a clear, defined agenda in the interest of Liberia.”
Karnga-Lawrence said Kogar will be assigned to Senate committees shortly and that the Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration would provide him with Senate rules, procedures, and office space.
Fellow Lawmakers Praise Kogar’s Elevation
Several lawmakers, including Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and Nimba County Rep. Musa Hassan Bility, attended the induction and praised Kogar’s elevation to the Senate.
“He brings over 14 years of experience and a strong network,” Fallah told The Liberian Investigator. “He must now apply that experience in the Honorable Liberian Senate.”
Bility added, “He will be missed for his fighting spirit and legislative influence. I encourage him to remain strong, work hard, and do his best for the people of Nimba and Liberia.”
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