Nimba County Senator Samuel Gongben Kogar has openly questioned the neutrality and independence of traditional elders and chiefs in Nimba County, warning that their growing alignment with government officials is undermining peace, fairness, and progress in the county.
Speaking on the BKS Radio “Heat Hour” program, Senator Kogar argued that elders and chiefs who are on the government payroll cannot genuinely act as neutral mediators during conflicts or sensitive political matters.
According to him, true leadership is rooted in independent thinking and moral courage; qualities he believes are being compromised when traditional leaders become financially dependent on government authorities. “Once elders and chiefs are on the payroll, their independence is compromised. They will always follow the Superintendent, the Vice President, the President, or the Minister of Internal Affairs,” Kogar claimed.
He described the situation as one of the major challenges facing Nimba County, stressing that favoritism and political alignment have replaced neutrality. Kogar cited recent incidents to support his claims, alleging that elders failed to console or stand with former minister Wilmot Paye affected by controversial decisions, yet appeared in full regalia to support Tingban confirmation.
“When someone is affected, that person deserves consolation and unity as a son of the soil,” Kogar noted. “But when elders abandon such individuals and only show up for government programs, they are clearly taking sides.”
The Senator emphasized that elders have a responsibility to first encourage reconciliation and unity before aligning with political authority. He warned that selective engagement by elders deepens division and take away public trust.
As a solution, Senator Kogar proposed a clear separation of roles. He suggested that elders who are not on government payroll should be the ones entrusted with mediating disputes, while those receiving government salaries should openly align with state authorities rather than claiming neutrality.
“There is no neutrality right now, and it is a serious problem,” Kogar stated. “If Nimba wants to progress, we must be truthful with ourselves.”
The Senator also touched on media independence, rejecting claims that he should financially support media institutions for favorable coverage. He argued that journalists and media outlets must remain professional and independent to maintain credibility.
“If I pay you, that becomes my weakness,” he said. “You will no longer be respected professionally. The media must use their platforms responsibly, not to promote personal or political interests.”
Senator Kogar then urged citizens, elders, and the media to embrace truth, independence, and sincerity, describing the current lack of neutrality as a “nightmare” that must be addressed for lasting peace and development in Nimba County.
By: P Uriah Suah|0881137395/Rkfm