Who Will Succeed PYJ? Kogar and Gongloe-Weh Set for Senate Showdown

Monrovia Liberia: Two prominent names have surfaced as potential candidates to fill the late Senator Prince Johnson’s seat in Nimba County. The individuals mentioned are former Nimba County Superintendent Edith Gogloe-Weh and current Representative Samuel Kogar, who represents District #5 in Nimba County.

In conversations with several citizens both within Nimba County and beyond, some have expressed their belief that Representative Samuel Kogar would be the ideal choice to replace the late Senator Prince Johnson. Others, however, feel that Edith Gongloe-Weh should take the position.

Despite this, a number of Nroimba residents, speaking with Kool 91.9 FM at the residence of the late Senator Prince Johnson, have voiced dissatisfaction with Edith Gongloe-Weh’s relationship with the people of the county, which they describe as strained.

Edith Gongloe-Weh has previously contested in elections three times but was unsuccessful on each occasion.

Madam Edith Gongloe-Weh, the former Superintendent of Nimba County, pledged her support to the reelection bid of President George Weah during the 2023 General and presidential elections This comes a day after her brother Tiawon Gongloe gave his support to the Standard-bearer of the Unity Party, Joseph Boakai.

On the other hand, Representative Samuel Kogar, who has served three terms as the representative for District #5, is seen by many as a strong candidate for the Senate. Many citizens have expressed support for Kogar, saying, "Kogar should be the next senator. We don’t need Edith Gongloe-Weh."

Samuel Kogar is indeed a prominent figure in Liberian politics, serving as a Senator for Nimba County. He was elected to the Liberian Senate during the 2020 special elections, which were held to fill vacant seats in the legislature. 

Kogar is associated with the Liberian People's Democratic Party (LPDP), though his political affiliation may have changed over time as is common in Liberia's fluid political landscape.

His election to the Senate came after the passing of the previous senator, Prince Johnson, a former warlord and prominent political figure in the country. Samuel Kogar's role as a senator involves representing the interests of the people of Nimba County, one of Liberia's most populous and resource-rich regions. 

Nimba has a complex political history, and Kogar's tenure reflects efforts to address local issues such as infrastructure, education, and economic development.