I was invited to cover a political gathering of supporters of Liberian opposition politician Counselor Charles Brumskine on late Sunday afternoon in May, 2010 the borough of Staten Island, NY, the USA.

Counselor Brumskine was visiting and the Liberian community and leaders of various persuasions were invited to "come and listen". It was my impression when I walked into the hall of the venue and saw the former Liberian Associate Justice and Chairman of the Council of State of the Collective Presidency that governed Liberia between March, 1994 to September, 1997 that he wanted to be among his "people" regardless of what their political leanings, prejudices or bias were.

As a matter of fact, the soft -spoken but dignified Professor Kpomakpor was already seated 2 hours before the start of the program - a sign of discipline of a man whose standard of academic excellence and moral rectitude will remain unquestioned.

As the case is with most Liberian functions, the program finally kicked offer 2 and half hours according to "Liberian Time"

I had the honor of introducing myself to Professor Kpomakor and to say "thank you:" for his service to our country to which he nodded his appreciation. I wanted him to personally know that there were many others who wanted to personally thank him for his service and the great example he set for those who are public servants in Liberia.
My impression of him after I paid my respects was that there is no other way to serve but honorably, with dignity and homelessness and no expectation of any gain. For me this was a rare disposition of such an honorable man.

We then discussed his current situation and how he had tried to reach out to the current Liberian Administration at its inception - not to beg for any recognition or "hand-out" but as a sign of goodwill to a successive government. He disclosed that he had written several letters to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf upon her election but he was unsure if she received them since he had not gotten any acknowledgement of same.

This would have been a good opportunity for the former Head of State and Supreme Court Justice to criticize the current President and demand what he needs to rightfully have as a former President.

He made a point to tell me that he was not about to criticize the current President.
Professor Kpomakpor who also hails from Bomi County in south-western Liberia, the same as the incumbent Liberian President Madam Sirleaf told me that he now resided alone at a nursing home with little US government welfare assistance. He said he underwent brain surgery a few years ago to remove a blood clot; that he was in declining physical health and now walks with a cane.

The Late Professor David D. Kpormakpor

President Mandela and Chairman Kpormakpor

At the program, Mr. J. Nagbe Sloh in presenting Professor Kpomakpor for honorable recognition referred to him as " a man who is poor today because he refused to steal or compromise his integrity when he served as leader".

The audience, in an outpouring of appreciation to Professor Kpomakpor spontaneously broke into the rendition of the Liberian national anthem to which the soft spoken former Liberian leader sat quietly and wiped away tears.

At the program, some of the attendees expressed anger at the current treatment of the former Liberian President by the Government of Liberia; "this man made a sacrifice for stability in Liberia; he was untainted by any scandal until he stepped down and this is how we show our appreciation?" one attendee at the occasion asked.

I asked to speak with Professor Kpomakpor some more after the civic program but noticed that as the program went on it was getting late and he had to retire.
I departed Staten Island hoping that a report of the condition of the former Head of State and an honorable man would engender a response from the appropriate authorities in Liberia. It did not happen.

Even now with his passing, I still think Justice Kpomakpor would not want any drama or criticism of the kind of treatment meted out to him as a former public servant - an honorable man!

I salute this honorable man for his service and example. Rest peacefully, Professor!