Kogar Challenges MDR Probe – Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia, premier resource for latest news

By S. Matthew M. Quoi, Jr.

MONROVIA, Liberia — Lawyers representing Nimba County Senator Samuel Gongben Kogar have challenged the authority of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) Ad Hoc Inquiry Committee, demanding documentary proof that the body was properly constituted before he appears for questioning on August 12.

In a letter dated August 9, 2026, and addressed to Committee Chairman Atty. Theophilus T. Gbeadah Sr., Kogar’s legal team requested certified documents establishing the committee’s authority under the MDR Constitution.

The lawyers are demanding evidence that the MDR National Executive Committee was properly convened before the decision to establish the seven-member inquiry committee was taken.

They are also seeking proof that the National Executive Committee had the constitutionally required quorum when it approved the committee’s establishment, as well as documentation showing that the investigative body was constituted in accordance with the party’s rules and procedures.

According to Kogar’s lawyers, the requested documents are necessary to determine whether the committee has jurisdiction to investigate complaints against the senator.

They argued that due process requires a disciplinary body to establish that it was lawfully constituted before exercising authority over an individual.

The legal team warned that proceedings conducted without proper authority could raise questions about the committee’s jurisdiction and the validity of any decisions arising from its investigation.

The lawyers also questioned the timing of the complaint against Kogar and the establishment of the committee.

According to the letter, the complaint against the Nimba County senator and the reported establishment of the Ad Hoc Inquiry Committee both occurred on August 5, 2026.

Kogar’s lawyers said the timing raises questions about whether the procedures prescribed by the MDR Constitution were followed before the complaint was referred for investigation.

Despite the objections, the legal team said Kogar is not refusing to participate in the party’s internal proceedings.

They confirmed that the senator remains prepared to appear before the committee on August 12 as scheduled, but will reserve his right to challenge the committee’s jurisdiction and competence if the requested documentation is not provided.

The lawyers maintained that transparency and adherence to the MDR Constitution should guide the disciplinary process.

The legal challenge comes amid growing internal tensions within the MDR involving Kogar, one of the party’s prominent political figures from Nimba County.

The controversy intensified following recent political comments attributed to the senator, prompting some members of the party to demand action against him.

As of the issuance of the letter, the MDR Ad Hoc Inquiry Committee had not publicly responded to the request for documentation establishing its authority.

Kogar’s scheduled August 12 appearance is expected to determine whether the internal proceedings move forward or face further legal and political challenges.