-Nimbaians Eulogize the Late Sen. Prince Y. Johnson
BY: SHALLON S. GONLOR
NIMBA COUNTY:– Memorial services have been organized across Nimba County to pay tribute to the county’s longest-serving senator, Prince Yormie Johnson, who passed away at the age of 72.
Residents of Nimba County with profound sadness are mourning and reflecting on the legacy left behind by the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson, the founder of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction-MDR, a beloved statesman, religious leader, and dedicated Public servant.
The late Senator, born July 6, 1952, in Tappita Lower Nimba County, died Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the “Hope For Women “ Hospital in Paynesville, Liberia.
Phoning in on several local radio stations in Nimba County, a general gloom has settled over the county as tributes and some criticism pour in following the death of the controversial senator and political godfather of Nimba County.
An ethnically diverse group of mourners are expected to gather beginning Tuesday to Saturday, January 14 to 18, 2025, in Sanniquellie and other areas of the county, where a public viewing will take place by scores of citizens, including supporters, admirers, and residents of Nimba, reflecting on Senator Johnson’s legacy and his many contributions to the county and Liberia as they laid wreaths and paid their final respects to the 72-year-old political veteran.
“The passing of the influence leader has touched many of us. Even those who did not always agree with him politically are paying their last respects to the old man,” several citizens whose lives both directly and indirectly were taught by Senator Johnson told journalists.
Memorial services are being scheduled to take place across the county’s main cities of Sanniquellie, Karnplay, and Ganta as tributes pour in from citizens and local leaders, including the county administration, chiefs, elders, women, youths, and the student community for a man who was instrumental in building a democratic and united voice from Nimba.
However, a section of citizens of the county remains critical of Johnson’s pivotal role in politics and leadership.
Johnson’s pivotal role in Liberia:
Senator Prince Yormie Johnson came to prominence following his involvement in the Liberian civil war (1989–1997). He emerged as a formidable warlord.
Following the civil war, Johnson sought exile in Nigeria, where he reportedly converted to Christianity and reconciled with the Doe family. Returning to Liberia in 2004, he transitioned into politics, leveraging his influence in Nimba County.
In 2005, he was elected as a senator for Nimba County, a position he held until his death. Johnson’s political acumen was evident as he became a kingmaker in successive presidential elections, notably influencing outcomes in 2005, 2011, 2017, and 2023.
His endorsements were often pivotal, reflecting his deep-rooted connections and sway within his constituency. Johnson’s past continued to shadow his political career.
He founded a political party, the National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP), in 2010 before being expelled from it in 2014.
He founded a new party, Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), in 2016. He has since been re-elected to the Senate in 2014 and 2023. He was also an unsuccessful candidate for President in 2011 and 2017, respectively, finishing in third and fourth place in the first round.
He significantly contributed to the enthronement of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President George Manneh Weah, and President Joseph N. Boakai to the Presidency, using his vote-rich Nimba County – the largest county with population density in the country, Liberia.
Johnson, who joined the Liberian Frontier Force in the 1940s, was a highly trained Liberian commando who reportedly fired the first bullet for Charles McArthur Ghankay Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) on the position of Samuel Doe’s Armed Forces of Liberia, thereby commencing the first round of the Liberian civil crisis, although he broke away from Taylor due to internal disagreements between him and Taylor and formed his Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) which fought its way from Taylor forces and eventually captured the Bushrod Island, where Liberia’s largest port, the Freeport of Monrovia is located.
Johnson fought a triangular war until he captured former President Samuel Kanyon Doe, for whom the Taylor rebellion was launched.
Various media perspectives greeted the reportage of Senator Johnmson’s death. The BBC reported that Prince Yormie Johnson, Liberian warlord-turned-politician who became infamous for the 1990 footage of him sipping beer while the president was tortured nearby, has died at the age of 72.
As one of the key figures in the two civil wars between 1989 and 2003, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission -TRC said he should be prosecuted for war crimes committed against humanity.
An estimated 250,000 people died in the conflicts, and many survivors of sexual assault and other attacks were left permanently scarred.
As a senator, Johnson was a dominant force in Liberian politics, often described as the “political godfather” of Nimba County.
CITIZENS IN LIMBO:
Meanwhile, residents of Nimba County fear that the county may not be able to return to prosperity and gain its political influence due to the death of their political godfather.
They believe that the falling senator, who has been a hero and critical voice, taking a stance in national government and elected and appointed positions for the sole interest of the people of the county, will be missed and remembered forever.
Moreover, they described Senator Johnson as a superhero, true leader, and unifier whose critical decisions have not only been for his selfish gain but for the larger benefit of his people, terming his death as an ‘irreparable and irreplaceable loss.’
