Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. Levels Serious Allegations at Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung
Monrovia, Liberia – Samuel D. Tweah Jr., Liberia’s former finance minister, has publicly accused Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung of attempting to influence a judicial decision following Tweah’s acquittal by a jury. In a statement issued ahead of a scheduled court ruling, Tweah declared he would not participate in any new trial if the verdict is overturned, framing the case as a politically motivated attack.
Tweah alleged that Vice President Koung instructed Judge Ousmane Feika to set aside the acquittal, citing alleged jury misconduct. Tweah maintained that no evidence has been presented linking him or his legal team to any such misconduct. These claims have not been independently verified, and the Vice President has not yet publicly responded to the accusations.
Claims of Government Division Over the Case
According to Tweah, the Liberian government has been internally divided for weeks regarding how to proceed with the case. He asserted that some government officials and members of the judiciary have cautioned against overturning the jury’s verdict. Tweah claimed that those opposed to a reversal believe it could establish a dangerous precedent for Liberia’s judiciary and create the impression that the government is selectively pursuing corruption cases.
Tweah further alleged that, based on information available to him, a final decision on the matter was communicated to Judge Feika last Thursday following internal government discussions. No independent evidence supporting this timeline or the alleged instructions to the judge was presented in Tweah’s statement.
Tweah’s Defiant Stance Ahead of Ruling
The former finance minister stated that he is now awaiting the court’s ruling, insisting that Judge Feika should uphold the jury’s decision and issue what Tweah called his “certificate of freedom.” Tweah expressed confidence in the jury’s work, saying, “As for me, the ruling tomorrow has no bearing since nine patriotic jurors have already delivered their verdict, declaring me a free man based on the evidence presented to them.”
Tweah recalled becoming emotional after the jury’s decision, describing the verdict as an act of courage by ordinary Liberians. He warned that he would not submit to what he characterized as another politically motivated trial if the acquittal is overturned. “Judge Feika has only one option, and that is to issue my certificate of freedom tomorrow,” Tweah declared. “If he refuses, I will submit to no bogus political trial in violation of my constitutional rights. I am a free man.”
Broader Accusations Against the Government
Tweah accused the government of attempting to undermine Liberia’s democratic and judicial institutions for political purposes. He argued that the country has moved beyond an era when political leaders could dictate the outcome of judicial proceedings. “The law is bigger today than the whims of any President or Vice President,” he said.
Concluding his statement, Tweah described himself as a political target and declared his readiness to confront any further legal or political action against him. “I welcome this political fight. Bring it on!” he stated.
The allegations made by Tweah against Vice President Koung, the government, and members of the judiciary remain his claims. No independent evidence supporting the alleged instructions to Judge Feika was presented in the statement. The Vice President and other officials accused by Tweah have not yet been given an opportunity to respond publicly.