HomeAfrican NewsFormer Minister Wilmot Paye Alleges Dismissal Was Retaliation After He Rejected Vice...

Former Minister Wilmot Paye Alleges Dismissal Was Retaliation After He Rejected Vice President’s Bid to Use His Wife, a UL Lecturer, to Shield Dorr Cooper’s Academic Fraud Scandal

Former Minister Wilmot Paye Alleges Dismissal Was Retaliation After He Rejected Vice President’s Bid to Use His Wife, a UL Lecturer, to Shield Dorr Cooper’s Academic Fraud Scandal

BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.

MONROVIA – Former Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot Paye says his dismissal followed his refusal to help conceal an alleged academic fraud case involving former Commerce Inspector General Dorr Cooper at the University of Liberia.

Appearing Tuesday on Spoon Talk, Paye alleged that after reports of Cooper’s academic misconduct surfaced, the Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr contacted him and asked that Paye’s wife, a lecturer at UL, help shield the information to protect Cooper.

Paye said he declined to involve his wife and instead advised the Vice President to ask Cooper to resign from his government post.

According to Paye, his refusal to conspire in covering up the scandal was one of the factors that led to his removal from the ministry.

Paye served as Minister of Mines and Energy before his dismissal.

During his tenure he focused on reforms in the mineral sector and revenue transparency.

He has not held public office since his replacement…..

Rufus Divine Brooks, Jr.
Rufus Divine Brooks, Jr.
Rufus Divine Brooks Jr. is an independent Liberian journalist with more than 7 years of experience across print, radio, and television media. Known for accountability-driven reporting and clear, audience-focused storytelling, he currently serves as News Director at KMTV Liberia and Chief Executive Officer of Voice of News in Liberia [VON], a digital news platform. Career Experience: Brooks has held key editorial and production roles throughout Liberia’s media landscape: 1. Head of Television & Reporter, Prime FM 105.5 — Led TV content operations while reporting on politics, governance, and human interest. 2. Promotional Manager, TunesLiberia — Managed media partnerships and promotional campaigns for Liberian entertainment and public affairs content. 3. Correspondent, Bassa FM, Grand Bassa County — Provided county-level coverage on development, infrastructure, and community issues outside Monrovia. 4. News Desk Editor & Senior Reporter, Kear Radio 95.9, Monrovia — Coordinates daily news output and produces in-depth analysis on national policy and social issues. 5. Contributor, FrontPage Africa & Verity Newspaper — Writes for two of Liberia’s leading independent dailies, focusing on political accountability, diplomacy, and sports. Professional Affiliations & Standards: A full member of the Press Union of Liberia [PUL], Brooks adheres to ethical journalism standards emphasizing accuracy, balance, and the right of reply. His editorial approach prioritizes context, verification, and giving communities a voice in national debates. Coverage & Notable Work: His reporting portfolio spans: • Governance & Diplomacy: Coverage of Liberia’s leadership roles on United Nations sanctions committees and foreign policy milestones. • Politics & Elections: On-the-ground reporting during national elections and analysis of legislative developments. • • Human Interest & Development: Stories highlighting infrastructure projects, public health, education, and climate resilience at county level. Brooks is also active on digital platforms, where he provides timely updates and contextual analysis to a growing audience. Leadership & Current Role: As News Director of KMTV Liberia, he oversees editorial strategy, mentors young journalists, and ensures balanced coverage of government, opposition, and civic voices. Through Voice of News and other platforms in Liberia, he expands access to independent news and promotes media literacy. Contact WhatsApp: +231 775 143 511 Motto: “Ask the question. Get the record. Tell the story.”
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