By Uriah Suah, Nimba Fellow
Claim: " Kortor Kwagrue is employed in the office of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, earning a net monthly salary of $4,500 USD, along with benefits such as fuel, scratch cards, and an assigned Land Cruiser Jeep."
Source: Armstrong Gobac Selekpoh, former aspirant of Nimba County
Verdict: Unproven
Full Text: In an open letter posted by Selekpoh on April 9, 20025, to Nimba stakeholders, Selekpoh claims Kortor Kwagrue is employed in the office of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, earning a net monthly salary of $4,500 USD, along with benefits such as fuel, scratch cards, and an assigned Land Cruiser Jeep. The letter was made shortly after Kortor Kwagrue declared his intention to contest the upcoming by-election for Nimba County Electoral District #5.
The expected by-election is because of Samuel Korgor, who was recently elected as senator of the county following the death of warlord Prince Johnson, who died in November 2024.
Kwagrue is the engineer and CEO of the Victoria Kwagrue Construction Company, previously contested in the 2023 legislative elections, and came second to now Senator and former Samuel Kogar.
Selekpoh, in his post, argued that allowing Kwagrue to contest in the bi-election would be an insult to young supporters of the Rescue Team and members of the Unity Party and MDR in District #5 who are yet to receive government jobs.
He also suggested that Kwagrue's candidacy could damage future political ambitions, particularly the “Nimba Project 2029.”
Verification: To verify the claim, The Stage Media (TSM) contacted the Human Resource and Comptroller’s departments within the Office of the Vice President Koung.
Both departments confirmed that Kortor Kwagrue is not an employee of the Vice President’s Office and does not appear on the official payroll.
In addition, Solomon Ware, press secretary to VP Koung, clarified that Kwagrue is a private contractor and not a staff member.
He noted that, like other entrepreneurs, Kwagrue seeks business opportunities across Liberia through his construction company, which is open to public contracts.
Further checks revealed that the position of director of special projects and programs within the vice president’s office is currently held by Nelson S.T. Bryant—not Kwagrue.
When contacted for supporting evidence, Selekpoh insisted on the accuracy of his Facebook post but declined to provide documentation.
He stated, “I stand by my post,” and dismissed further requests for verification.
Conclusion: There is no verifiable evidence to prove that Kortor Kwagrue is employed by the Office of the Vice President or that he receives a government salary or benefits as claimed.
