Monrovia – A majority of members of the House of Representatives, including lawmakers from Nimba County, failed to sign the book of condolence for the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, who passed away on November 28, 2024.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The government of Liberia had opened the book of condolence for the fallen senator in a ceremony held in front of the Capitol Building. The event was relocated from the rotunda due to the recent fire outbreak that damaged the joint chambers which is located right above the rotunda.
As protocol dictates, President Joseph Boakai officially opened the condolence signing ceremony, followed by members of his Cabinet. Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Koon signed, after which the lawmakers present, including all Nimba representatives except Rep. Samuel Kogar, left the Capitol for an event at Monrovia City Hall. Their decision not to participate in signing the book of condolence sparked discontent among citizens, particularly from Nimba County.
“This is strange. We didn’t expect members of the House to leave so early without signing, especially lawmakers from Nimba,” one frustrated Nimba citizen remarked. “Today, they should have expressed their sympathy to the family of the fallen senator, not prioritized merrymaking.”
Signing book of condolence can be done individually, not collectively. That’s why the president signed and his cabinet officials also signed. The same with the Liberian Senate, the Chief Justice and justices of the Supreme Court, said Emmanuel Paye, another citizen of Nimba.
Traditionally, the Legislature hosts a luncheon to mark the reconvening of sessions. However, this year, due to the fire disaster and the condolence ceremony, the Senate opted not to participate in the annual luncheon. Despite this, the House went ahead with the event, leading to only Rep. Koon signing the condolence book on behalf of the Majority Bloc.
For many, the book of condolence represents a significant gesture of sympathy and respect. By snubbing the ceremony, the lawmakers, including some of Senator Johnson’s own kinsmen, have drawn criticism from those who expected them to prioritize honoring the late senator over social gatherings.
The book of condolence remains open for others to pay their respects, but the absence of key representatives, especially from Nimba, has left many citizens disappointed.
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