The Senate chamber turned into a battlefield of words on Wednesday, July 1, when Police Inspector General (IG) Gregory Coleman, referred to senators, mainly Samuel G. Kogar, as someone that talks ‘loosely.’
Coleman was subsequently apologized to Sen. Kogar following an exchanged of embitterment over the stalled US$19.2 million RIA cocaine investigation.
The confrontation erupted minutes after heads of joint security appeared before Plenary, summoned by the Senate over mounting concerns about transparency in the seizure at the airport.
Kogar opened fire first, when he demanded President Joseph Boakai to suspend police IG Coleman, LDEA OIC Biago, and NSA officials immediately.
“That is the only way this investigation will be taken seriously. The IG has shielded people connected to drug trade,” Kogar charged.
Coleman did not hold back when he snapped at Kogar, questioning his credibility on the Senate floor.
“Do you have evidence, Mr. Senator? You just talked loosely here…” Coleman shouted.
The remark drew gasps and immediate protest senators and other onlookers.
Meanwhile, Kogar erupted, when turned to his colleagues for backing: “You guys have heard what the IG has told me that I am talking loosely.”
Kogar shouted as the chamber melted into tension. For say, five tense minutes or more, senators could not move the hearing forward.
Senate leadership finally intervened, and ordered Coleman to retract. Under instruction from Plenary, Coleman stood down and apologized directly: “Honorable Kogar, I want to apologize to you.”
Wednesday’s incident underscored how high the stakes have become as senators pushed for answers on one of drug busts, with a full open hearing concluded.