MONROVIA, Liberia — Chairman of the Movement for Reconstruction and Development (MDR), Cooper Kruah, has defended the party’s decision to expel Senator Samuel G. Kogar, saying the action followed the party’s constitution, bylaws, and due process procedures.
Speaking following the party’s decision, Kruah said the MDR received a formal complaint against Senator Kogar and subsequently provided him with an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
According to Kruah, Kogar was given a copy of the complaint and initially participated in the investigation but later repeatedly sought additional excuses and failed to appear when the matter was scheduled for further hearing.
“He did not show up, and his lawyer did not show up. So, that was a waiver of their right to be heard,” Kruah said.
He explained that following the senator’s failure to appear, the committee proceeded with its deliberations and recommended his expulsion from the party.
Kruah said the MDR also resolved that any party assets or property in Kogar’s possession should be returned.
He emphasized that, following the decision, Kogar is no longer a member of the MDR and therefore does not speak on behalf of the party.
“Whatever he says out there will not represent the party henceforth,” Kruah declared, adding that some of Kogar’s recent public statements were made without consultation with the party leadership.
The MDR chairman also linked the expulsion to what he described as Kogar’s political position toward the Unity Party-led government.
Kruah said the MDR is in collaboration with the Unity Party and remains part of the governing establishment, arguing that members of the party cannot simultaneously participate in government while acting in opposition to it.
“This party stands with the Unity Party and stands with this president. We supported him yesterday, we support him today, and we support him in the future,” he said.
Kruah further warned that the MDR would take disciplinary action against any member whose conduct threatens the party’s relationship with the Unity Party or violates its internal rules.
“Anything that tries to interfere with the relationship that we have with the Unity Party, if it contravenes our laws, we will not hesitate for the gavel to hit the table, just as it happened today,” he said.
The chairman concluded by reiterating that Senator Samuel G. Kogar is no longer a member of the MDR, urging the media to report the party’s decision to the public.