Monrovia – The Liberian Senate has removed the seat of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, who passed away in November 2024, and will transport it to Nimba County for preservation.
By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]
The decision, made in response to a request from senior citizens of Nimba, aims to honor Johnson’s long service and legacy.
Senator Johnson, a former rebel leader turned politician, died at the age of 72 after collapsing at his residence in Paynesville.
His funeral took place on January 18, 2025, in Gompa City, Nimba County.
During the Senate’s regular session on January 30, 2025, his seat was formally removed from the chamber, marking a poignant moment in Liberian political history. The event was accompanied by the inaugural performance of the Senate Mass Choir.
The chair, draped in black cloth and a purple ribbon, was handed over by Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence to Senator Twayen of Nimba County, who will transport it to a newly constructed mausoleum that houses Johnson’s remains.
The seat will be displayed at a museum in Nimba County, serving as a tribute to the late senator’s impact on Liberia’s politics.
Senator Twayen expressed gratitude on behalf of Nimba citizens, thanking the Senate for allowing the chair to be preserved as a historical artifact. “This chair, which Senator Johnson occupied for over 18 years, will serve as a symbol of his dedication and service to Liberia,” he stated.
The removal of Johnson’s seat, though a rare and ceremonial act, underscores the complex role he played in Liberia’s post-war politics.
As both a divisive figure and a long-serving public official, his legacy remains a subject of debate. The decision to preserve his seat will likely spark further political discussion, with some viewing it as a fitting tribute to his service, while others may question its endorsement of his controversial past.
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