-Nimbaians Venerate Sen. Johnson’s Complex Legacy
BY: Shallon S. Gonlor / shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY — Mourners lined the streets of Nimba County to pay respect to their fallen “hero”, Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, following the arrival of his remains in the county. After eighteen years in public service as senator of Nimba County, Senator Johnson died on November 28, 2024.
Johnson’s body returned to his home county, weeks after he reportedly collapsed in his bathroom and died. His remains were long deposited at a funeral home in Monrovia waiting for a befitting burial.
However, Johnson will be laid to rest on Saturday, January 18, following a week-long tour as well as a funeral service to be attended by thousands of people, including government officials of Liberia.
The 72-year-old’s body arrived at Nimba County’s capital, Sanniquellie City on Thursday, where a large vehicle convoys escorted him. Along the way, there was a large turnout outside the Superintendent Compound, where brief remarks were made by mourners.
Nimba Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono led the convoys, including Vice President, Jeremiah K. Koung, Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, and other prominent citizens and sympathizers.
Local, national, and international leaders also join Nimba citizens in paying respects to the county’s longest-serving senator for his dedication to nation-building.
Labeled as “Godfather and Hero”, the coffin of Johnson draped in Liberia’s flag was driven on a gun carriage into Sanniquellie City Hall for four hours of tributes.
Joining Vice President Jeremiah Koung, several dignitaries paying their respects including the 55 National Legislatures and Nimba caucus as well as the Liberia National Cultural Troup, Ministries, and Agencies representing the Liberian Government.
