
Monrovia — A troubling development has emerged in Nimba County following the funeral of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, with the government’s recent dismissal of a key member of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) raising concerns of a politically motivated campaign against party members.
By Willie Tokpah, [email protected]
Czar Mabulu Palay, the Youth Wing Chair of the MDR, was dismissed on Thursday from his position as Director of Health and Occupational Safety at the Ministry of Labour.
This follows the previous day’s removal of Nesco A. Wollo, the MDR Vice Chair for Political Affairs, from his post at the National Security Agency.
These dismissals have sparked serious allegations of political targeting, especially as they come so soon after Senator Johnson’s funeral.
Palay’s termination was communicated in a letter citing “administrative reasons.” However, many in Nimba County view this as an act of political retribution aimed at silencing members of the MDR, a party that played a significant role in securing President Joseph Boakai’s victory in the 2023 elections.
Locals have expressed outrage, believing these actions betray Senator Johnson’s legacy and disrespect the Nimba community.
The dismissal follows Palay’s outspoken criticism of the Unity Party during Senator Johnson’s funeral.
Palay accused Unity Party leaders of abandoning the late senator after the elections, remarks that resonated with many but also drew sharp rebuke from government officials.
Following his comments, Palay reported receiving death threats and has since expressed fear for his safety. “Since this morning, people have been sending me messages that I should leave Nimba because people are looking for me,” Palay said, adding to the atmosphere of intimidation now prevalent in the region.
The political drama intensified with Grand Gedeh Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely also condemning the Unity Party, suggesting that Senator Johnson had felt betrayed by the administration.
The MDR asserts that Johnson was “deeply troubled” by the Unity Party’s push for a War and Economic Crimes Court, which they argue added undue pressure on the late senator.
Despite these serious allegations, President Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung have denied any betrayal, asserting that Senator Johnson’s contributions to their political success are indisputable. However, their defense has done little to ease the growing discontent among MDR supporters.
What was intended to be a tribute to Senator Johnson has turned into a political battleground, with the dismissal of MDR officials viewed as a deliberate move to undermine the party and stifle opposition.
This has led many to believe that the government is conducting a strategic campaign to quash dissent in Nimba County.
As tensions rise, MDR leaders are calling for solidarity among party members and urging the community to resist what they view as a government-led witch hunt against those willing to speak out.
The future of Palay and other MDR members now hangs in the balance, as the political ramifications of these dismissals continue to unfold, deepening divisions within the region’s political landscape.