MONROVIA — Senator Prince Johnson, often regarded as the political ‘godfather’ of Nimba County, has been consistently criticized for his inconsistency, particularly in aligning his positions with his personal interests. He has faced international accusations of Pay-to-Play and sanctioned by the United States Department of Treasury.
By Henry Karmo, [email protected]
Since the announcement of by-elections in Nimba County to fill the vacancy left by Senator Jeremiah Koung, who assumed the vice presidency, Senator Johnson has engaged in discussions with the two primary contenders: Representative Samuel Kogar of the People Unification Party and Nya Twayen of the ruling Unity Party.
On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, Senator Johnson invited Representative Kogar to his office with the explicit intention of endorsing his candidacy in the Nimba County by-elections. This decision follows a previous meeting with the other candidate, Nya Twayen.
In his statement, Senator Johnson cited Representative Kogar’s stance against the call for a war crimes court, as evidenced by his refusal to sign a recent resolution endorsed by the House of Representatives, as the basis for his endorsement. Despite acknowledging past differences with Kogar, Senator Johnson expressed his preference for him over other candidates due to his anti-war crimes court stance. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and highlighted the challenges faced by the populace, such as unemployment and suffering.
Days earlier, Nya Twayen, who garnered significant support in the 2023 Senatorial election in Nimba County, posted on his Facebook page about a fruitful meeting with Senator Johnson. However, reports suggest that Senator Johnson is strategizing to oppose the Unity Party in the upcoming by-elections in an effort to reclaim his influence and political agency. This strategy aims to prevent the party’s preferred candidate from winning.
In a leaked audio recording, Senator Prince Johnson expressed his support for former County Inspector, Mr. Mark Gblinwon, over Twayen, citing the Unity Party’s stance on establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia. Senator Johnson urged like-minded Nimbians to join his campaign against the court, asserting that supporting Twayen would imply endorsement of the court due to his affiliation with the Unity Party.
Additionally, Senator Johnson indicated his opposition to Nimba County District #5 Representative Samuel Kogar, who is speculated to be eyeing the vacant senatorial seat. He accused Kogar of disrespect and lamented the influence of individuals surrounding President Boakai, whom he believes are hindering his own political aspirations and those of others, such as Koung.