GANTA – As Nimba voters prepare for the upcoming by-election, Senator Prince Johnson, the self-proclaimed godfather of the county, has withdrawn his support from the Unity Party’s senatorial candidate, Nya D. Twayen, Jr.
By Franklin Doloquee
Senator Johnson stated that his decision was prompted by the Unity Party government’s persistent advocacy for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court to prosecute individuals implicated in serious crimes during the Liberian civil war. Senator Johnson, a significant figure from that period, is among those who could face prosecution if such a court is instituted in Liberia. He says the push for the court is a targeted move against him.
Johnson emphasized that his Movement for Democracy and Reconciliation played a pivotal role in bringing the Unity Party to power. However, instead of focusing on development and reconciliation, he believes the government is now engrossed in initiatives that could foster discord, notably their pursuit of a war and economic crimes court.
His remarks come shortly after the Liberian Senate adopted a resolution advocating for the establishment of the court. Senator Johnson himself signed the resolution but later claimed he did so under duress.
“I was forced to sign the resolution to established war and economic crimes court on grounds that I’m their target. If I were to refuse [to sign], the world would look at me to be a bad person,” Senator Johnson said in a phone-in interview on Radio Zoe-geh in Bahn, NImba District #7.
Senator Johnson has been a prominent figure in Liberian politics for the past two decades, serving as Nimba Senator since 2006 in the country’s second most populous county. He recently secured another nine-year term following his reelection in 2023.
Following the elevation of Senator Jeremiah Koung to Vice President after the 2023 presidential election, Senator Johnson pledged his support to Nya Twayen, his youthful rival from the 2023 Nimba Senatorial election, to fill the vacancy left by Koung.
However, less than two weeks before the polls, he has reversed his stance and declared his support for Rep. Samuel Kogar, a relative from Gomaplay in Nimba District #5, as his chosen candidate.