NIMBA COUNTY – Residents of Nimba County are calling on Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono and her administration to account for the funds raised during the recent funeral service of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson. 

By Franklin Doloquee

The aggrieved residents are claiming that over two million United States dollars were used for the funeral, with $500,000 secretly withdrawn from the county’s annual $1.5 million social development fund, without any transparency or consultation with the county administration or lawmakers.

The residents are demanding that the county leadership, headed by Superintendent Gono and lawmakers, publicly disclose the exact amount of funds used for the funeral service.

According to Urey Jackson, the head of the group, their action is aimed at holding the county officials accountable for how public funds are being spent.

Jackson expressed frustration with the lack of impact from the $1.5 million annual social development fund allocated to Nimba County. 

He argued that the citizens are still suffering from poor infrastructure, including bad road networks, inadequate health facilities, and underdeveloped schools. He emphasized that the funds should be used to address these pressing issues, rather than being spent on an individual’s funeral.

He also noted that the government of President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung contributed over $338,000 towards the funeral, while the county administration allegedly withdrew $500,000 from the social development fund without informing the public. 

In addition, Nimbaians both within Liberia and abroad reportedly contributed half a million dollars to the event.

Regarding the Liberia Senate’s involvement, FrontPage Africa has learned that the Senate, of which the late Senator Prince Johnson was a member, was responsible for arranging the funeral service and transporting Johnson’s body to Nimba County. 

When contacted, Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. stated that he had no knowledge of the funding involved and directed inquiries to the County Superintendent, Kou Meapeh Gono. However, Superintendent Gono declined to comment when approached by FrontPage Africa.

Former Superintendent Fong Zuagele, who was responsible for the financial aspects of the funeral service, told FrontPage Africa that they would report any information they deemed necessary. “My man, forget about those things. We enjoyed ourselves; who will ask us for any reports? Whenever they ask us, we will just play around with it,” he said.

Since 2007, ArcelorMittal Liberia has provided $1.5 million annually to the county. However, there have been no significant improvements in the county’s development. 

According to reports, this funding has been primarily used for sports and social activities, rather than infrastructure or other critical development projects.

MONROVIA — Liberians have reacted to the death of the Senator of Nimba County, Prince Yormie Johnson, who died in Monrovia at the age of 72.

By Selma Lomax, Gerald C. Koinyeneh and Obediah Johnson

FrontPageAfrica gathered the warlord turned politician had returned from Nimba County Wednesday, after honoring the legacy of the late Gnassingbe Eyadema, former President of Togo, by naming his PYJ university’s auditorium after him during a ceremony on November 25.

However, news broke that Johnson died in the early hours of Thursday at the Hope for Women Hospital on AB Tolbert Road in Paynesville.

President Joseph Boakai expressed profound sorrow upon learning of the sudden passing of Johnson, describing the former Nimba County senator as a figure who played a pivotal role in Liberia’s complex historical evolution and contributed to national discourse through his service in the Senate.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Johnson family and the people of our industrious County of Nimba. Senator Prince Y. Johnson’s passing is a loss to his family, his constituents, and our nation,” President Boakai stated.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Johnson family and the people of our industrious County of Nimba. Senator Prince Y. Johnson’s passing is a loss to his family, his constituents, and our nation,” President Boakai stated.

Vice President Jeremiah Koung, accompanied by senior government officials and prominent figures from Nimba County, arrived at the late Senator’s residence Thursday morning visibly emotional as they mourned the loss of a man regarded as the “political godfather of Nimba County.”

The social media has been inundated with mixed reactions, with some Liberians poking fun at the death of Senator Johnson, who captured and killed former Liberian President Samuel Doe in the latter part of 1990 as one of the continent’s deadliest wars raged against the country’s first native president whose 1980 coupe ended over 130 years of Americo-Liberians’ reign.

‘A Blow to Liberia’

The Liberian Senate has sent a message of condolence to the bereaved family of Johnson. A Senate press release quotes the leadership of the Senate as describing the death of Senator Johnson as not only a blow to the Liberian Senate but the country at large, noting, his death is an irreparable loss.

Prior to his death, served four Legislatures, including the 52nd, 53rd, 54th and now the 55th in various capacities.

He was the longest-serving member of the Senate in post-war Liberia. Elected in 2005, Senator Johnson was elected for the third consecutive nine-year tenure in the 2023 presidential and legislative elections.

During his tenures, Johnson served as Chairman of the Senate Committee, on Security, Intelligence, and Veteran Affairs, and Chairman on Internal Affairs, Governance and Reconciliation and a long serving member of the ECOWAS Parliament based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Liberian Senate in its mournful remembrance of the fallen Senator, has suspended its Thursday, November 28, 2024 Plenary sitting to next Tuesday.

“May his contributions to our Nation be remembered, and may his charitable legacy inspire future generations”, the Senate stated.

‘I’m devastated’ – Edith Gongloe-Weh
Madam Edith Gongloe, former Superintendent of Nimba County, expressed shock over the news of Senator Johnson, saying she was personally devastated by the sad development.

Gongloe-Weh, who is currently in the United States of America, described Johnson as a loving family head and a respected leader. She was also a long-term political foe of Senator Johnson. She ran against him in 2014 Senatorial election and was defeated.

‘Johnson was a visionary leader’ – Former Rep. Mulbah

Former Bong County representative, George Mulbah, said Johnson’s death is painful and shocking. Mulbah expressed deep sadness on receiving the news of the senator’s death and consoled with the immediate family of the deceased, the Liberian Senate and people of Nimba County over the irreparable loss.

Split opinions over PYJ’s death

Johnson was well known for his role in the Liberian civil war. Intially and ally of former President Chairles Taylor, Jonson soon broke away with Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) and formed the Independent Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL).

In 1990, his rebel faction captured, tortured and killed President Samuel Kanyon Doe.

Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission listed Johnson alongside several warlords to face prosecution for his role in the Liberian civil war. Both supporters and victims of the war have expressed their opinion in the wake of his death.

An elite member of the ruling Unity Party, Boakai Jalieba, posted to his Facebook handle, saying the late Johnson meant different things to different people. For the Nimbaians (residents of] Nimba County) who witnessed the brutal slaying of children during Doe’s regime and the horrific massacre at the Lutheran Church, where scores of innocent people were killed, they see him as a man avenging the loss of their loved ones.

For the people of the Americo-Liberian elite, he added, who saw their sons slaughtered at the mansion and their fathers summarily executed, his actions are viewed as an act of revenge.

“On the other hand, those who are aggrieved by PYJ’s actions have a very different perspective of him. Ultimately, people are entitled to celebrate or condemn their hero or villain as they see fit. We should stop questioning why someone mourns or feels sorry for PYJ’s death,” he said.

Beatrice Scott, who claimed to be a victim of the civil war, posted to Facebook, saying, “I know we are not God to judge but those who took innocent lives back then shouldn’t find peace. We all pray for our enemies to die right so why don’t you pray for Senator Johnson not to find peace too.”

MONROVIA – Amid the fervor of the 2023 election campaign, Joseph Boakai’s decision to align with Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson stirred apprehension. Many feared that Sen. Johnson might wield excessive influence over the presidency, particularly with his ‘godson,’ Jeremiah Koung, selected as Boakai’s Vice Presidential candidate.

By Lennart Dodoo, and Selma Lomax

This alignment even led to the great divide between Boakai and his long-time ally, Benoni Urey, who was vehemently opposed to Mr. Alexander Cummings of the ANC’s presidency in support of Boakai’s presidency.

For Boakai, teaming up with the former rebel general turned politician and pastor was a top necessity for winning the presidential elections, as Sen. Johnson could easily sway the majority of votes from his vote-rich Nimba towards the Unity Party. And indeed, Sen. Johnson delivered Nimba. Boakai obtained 74.14 percent of the votes in Nimba County. Unarguably, the Nimba votes caltapulted him to the presidency.

PYJ’s Motive Vs. JNB’s Intent

The trend of events during the elections campaign revealed that the Nimba County Senator had three motives for agreeing to support Boakai after his fallout with the incumbent, Weah. Sen. Johnson’s fallout with Weah stemmed from his frustration with the regime during its latter days when he could no longer exercise influence and carryout his usual pay-for-play for which he was sanctioned by the United States Department of Treasury. Pres. Weah at the time became adamant on Sen. Johnson’s requests, especially, when his attempts to plug some kinsmen and women in specific government positions fell flat.

Coming onboard with Boakai and having his ‘godson’ as the running mate to Boakai signalled the dawn of a new beginning for him. This allignment presented what appeared to be perfect opportunity for Sen. Johnson. In his view, 79-year-old Boakai is too old and frail to lead, hence, Koung as Vice President would have to perform many presidential tasks. This would have given him, Sen. Johnson, the leverage and protection he’d always wanted from sitting governments.

Beyond that, Sen. Johnson also viewed his allignmet with Boakai and having Jeremiah Koung as running mate an opportunity for Nimba to eventually produce President in the future when Boakai eventually fades out.

In a leaked audio that emerged during the election campaign, Senator Johnson is heard saying: “We’re fighting for Nimba County to take the lead, and Nimba will win in the name of Jesus. Bassa is with us, Gbarpolu with us, Bomi with us, Lofa with us, Bong County with us; what is your problem, and you’re on the radio on me? My brother, what have I done, you got to change.” He went on to add, “We’re fighting for you. When y’all turn to this man [Weah] against our prayer for Nimba to produce Vice President – this old man is old, he took Koung to be his Vice President when he wins, isn’t it Koung that would be doing the job for him? Can he go everywhere? No!”

So, just when many believed that Boakai was in for a doom by ‘dancing with the devil’, the reality is becoming to set in and this is creating even more frustration for Senator Johnson.

Boakai dealt Sen. Johnson a big blow on the very first day of his presidency when he announced the establishmemnt of war and economic crimes court. Sen. Johnson, known to be a former notorious rebel that committed heinuous attrocities and human rights abuses during the civil war is always infuriated at the mention of war crimes court.

Pres. Boakai’s decision to call for the establishment of war crimes court is inconsiderate of how the establishment thereof could affect his strong political ally. Some political pundits say Pres. Boakai used Sen. Johnson as a pawn and stepping block to get the presidency.

During an interview on Truth FM early this month, Sen. Johnson lamented that President Boakai no longer takes his phone calls amidst discussions for the establishment of the War and Economy Crimes Court in Liberia.

He revealed that there has been no communication between him and the Liberian leader since President Boakai met with Allan White, a war crime court advocate.

“Mr. Boakai has even refused to pick up my phone because of his connection with the Allan White group, as he feels that I am a war criminal. But we are watching. They want to do something clandestine against us, and we are not going to accept that,” Senator Johnson said.

He added, “My people in Nimba County were killed in cold blood, and we fought in defense. We gave you votes, and you want to go after us? We are not going to accept that. My people in Nimba are listening to you, and you think they are going to sit here and turn me over to you to give me false charges on things that I never did before?”

Strategizing against Unity Party

In response to what he perceives as marginalization and to reclaim his waning influence, Senator Johnson is reportedly strategizing to oppose the Unity Party in the upcoming by-elections. This calculated move, driven by his desire to regain political agency and relevance is tilted towards ensuring that the party’s preferred candidate in the pending senatorial by-election does not win.

In a bombshell leaked audio, Senator Prince Johnson was heard saying the would support the former County Inspector, Mr. Mark Gblinwon over Twayen, because of UP’s stance for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes in the country. Senator Johnson said: “I am calling on Nimbians (natives of Nimba County) of like minds to join the campaign against the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court because there are laws in Liberia that forbid the establishment of such court. Supporting Nya would be endorsing the War and Economic Crimes in Liberia because he is a member of the UP,” he said.

Like Twayen, Senator Johnson also indicated that he would oppose Nimba County District #5 Representative, Samuel Kogar, who is thought to be one of those interested in the vacant senatorial seat. He said Rep. Kogar has over the years been disrespectful to him despite bringing to the political limelight in 2011.

Sen. Johnson claimed the people who are now around President Boakai do not want him to succeed and have been advising him wrongly. “I’m sorry for Koung; because in 2029 Koung is the potential leader they see, they’re blocking him. The took all the ministries, all the public corporations and gave MDR one little Ministry of Labor,” he lamented.

Feeling betrayed by his ‘son’ Koung

Senator Johnson, in the leaked audio, expressed disappointment in the Vice President Jeremiah Koung for his failure to consult him (Sen. Johnson) on critical decisions including appointments.

He said VP Koung, whom he sees as his son, doesn’t seek advice from him anymore; something he said may hurt Koung’s ambition, moving forward. 

Sen. Prince Johnson said he was particularly disappointed in Vice President Koung for recommending “his own people” to President Boakai for appointments in government without consulting him .

“I am feeling sorry for Koung because the Unity Party people see him as a potential successor to Boakai in 2029, so they are doing everything possible to subvert that. Koung himself is sending his own people all over in government without even saying to me “Papay, send some of your people too for appointments.”

Senator Johnson said Nimbians are angry with President Boakai over his refusal to give top governmental positions, despite receiving the most votes from the county in the 2023 presidential elections.

He alleged that President Boakai’s top governmental positions are going to counties such as Bong, Lofa and Grand Bassa, that failed to produce the votes to make Boakai president.

The potential fracture of support in Nimba County could lead to a broader crisis of legitimacy for the Unity Party, raising questions about its ability to maintain electoral supremacy against resurging opposition.

MONROVIA – The Minister-designate of the Ministry of National Defense Prince Johnson has vowed to collaborate with the National Security Council (NSC), paramilitary groups and international partners to prevent the spread of Sahel terrorism and creeping threats to Liberia and its citizens.

By Obediah Johnson

Mr. Johnson observed that the proliferation of militancy within political parties in Liberia poses a threat to the nation and as such, it should claim the attention of all stakeholders in the country.

According to him, the high rate of unemployment and poverty remain the greatest threats in the society.

He made these comments when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Security, National Defense, Intelligence and Veteran Affairs held at the Chambers of the Liberian Senate on Thursday, February 8.

Mr. Johnson stated that the spread of fake news are other issues that must be looked at critically.

He, however, recalled that as part of efforts to reduce economic burdens on the citizens due to bad road connectivity, the AFL constructed approximately 300km of roads across the country.

He said the Ministry of Public Works over the years failed to station earth moving equipment for the maintenance of roads in the south-eastern parts for the stay of AFL soldiers in those areas as part of efforts to help reduce the high rate of poverty.

Mr. Johnson further bragged that despite the happenings in Liberia and the region, he managed to ensure that the AFL remains a non-political institution while serving as its Chief of Staff.

He assured of advising President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who is the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to maintain the integrity of the army.

He said as a former member of the Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff of ECOWAS, he managed to establish a network with his colleagues in the region.

“Currently we do have a memorandum of understanding on how can we partner with our neighboring countries to prevent the spread of terrorism and threats. We have been successful on the military side in almost all of our missions.”

Mr. Johnson stressed that working with international partners, especially in the United States, France and the United Kingdom also remains paramount.

Speaking further, he called on the government to focus and elevate the welfare of soldiers of the AFL, including the increment of salaries.

He disclosed that many barracks of the army were renovated under the past administration, but more needs to be done to dignify the army.

Mr. Johnson further called for consistent recruitment of citizens into the army, but with the construction or extension of additional annexes within the existing barracks.

He put the cost for the construction of new barracks to accommodate the soldiers and their families at about US$35m.

He promised to also work with the Commander-In-Chief of the AFL to ensure the retirement and pensioning of soldiers.

Mr. Johnson observed that these challenges confronting the Ministry of National Defense, especially the AFL cannot be addressed in the midst of inadequate budgetary support.

“The Ministry of National Defense is unique; it’s not like any other ministries. I say this in the context that other ministries, the minister most often is concerned about the issue of salaries for his employees. For the Ministry of National Defense or the AFL, it doesn’t limit us there. We have to be concern about where the soldiers sleep, where the families live, medication, infrastructure, power generation and a whole lot.”

Also speaking Deputy Defense Minister-designate for operations Geraldine George underscored the significance of customizing the uniform of soldiers of the AFL.

According to her, the current uniform being used by the AFL can be easily duplicated and worn by others in the society.

She recommended that instead of purchasing the army uniform from China, government, through the National Legislature, should see reason to provide more budgetary  support for tailors within the army to produce their own uniform.

GANTA – Several members of the 54th Nimba Legislative Caucus are facing a possible defeat in the 2023 Legislative and Presidential election, while a few remain in strong contention for victory.

In the senatorial race, embattled Senator Prince Yormi Johnson has secured a decisive lead over six other contenders and appears poised to serve for another nine years, based on data collected from vote tally papers at numerous polling stations. Following closely behind Senator Johnson is Mr. Nyan Tuayen Jr, with former militia general Roland Duo representing the ruling Coalition of Democracy Change of President George Weah.

Senator Johnson is running under the banner of the Movement of Democracy and Reconstruction, in coalition with the Unity Party of Ambassador Joseph Boakai. Nyan Tuayen is competing as an independent candidate with ties to the Unity Party.

In the race for the House of Representatives, Rep. Samuel N. Brown has also taken a commanding lead over Prof. Francis Manweah and two other candidates in Nimba County District #1.

In Nimba District #2, incumbent Rep. Prince O. S. Tokpa currently occupies the fifth position, trailing behind former community journalist Nyan Flomo and three other candidates, according to vote tally papers displayed at various polling stations.

In District #3, MDR Candidate Nenkeh Gaye and Prince Quiwonkpa are in a tight race, with indications suggesting that either of these individuals could become the next representative, possibly replacing incumbent Joseph Sonwabi. At the same time, District 4 Representative Gunpue Kargon of the CDC is engaged in a neck-and-neck competition with Ernest M. Mansesh of the MDR/UP.

Rep. Samuel G. Kogar is reported to hold a significant lead over Kortor Kwagrue and 12 other contenders, while Rep. Dorwoan Glerkia has also established a strong position over former Deputy of Operations at the Ministry of Defense, Hon. Jackson Paye, and 12 others in District 6.

In District 7, businessman and CPP candidate Musa Hassan Bility is positioned to replace UP Rep. Roger Domah, who currently stands at third and fourth places in the race, respectively. Additionally, in District 8, CPP candidate Larry Younquoi is engaged in a fierce competition with his arch rival, Mr. Saye Mianah of the MDR, along with eight other hopefuls.

Former Senatorial Candidate Taa Wongba has also secured a decisive lead, leaving Prof. Johnson Gwaikolo of the CDC at the bottom of the list among eight other candidates in the political contest for Nimba County District 9, which also includes Gbi and Dorlu.

These results are pending confirmation by the National Election Commission.

In the presidential race, Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai of the Unity Party is maintaining a significant lead over his political rival, President George Manner Weah of the CDC, in most polling places. Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe of the LPP follows closely behind.

However, in the Yekepa, Zor Chiefdom, and Kparblee areas, the CDC has gained a considerable advantage over the UP. In the Yarwin Mensonnoh and certain polling locations around Saclepea, Cllr. Gongloe has also secured a substantial lead, with the UP and CDC trailing.

MONROVIA – Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson has clarified his recent statement regarding election rigging allegations, emphasizing that it does not advocate for armed rebellion.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Senator Johnson, a former warlord and a staunch ally of former Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai of the opposition Unity Party, caused a stir when he warned last week that any attempt to manipulate the upcoming elections would trigger the exercise of “people’s power,” likening it to the Arab Spring. The Arab Spring consisted of a series of anti-government protests, uprisings, and armed rebellions that occurred across much of the Arab world in the early 2010s, starting in Tunisia as a response to corruption and economic stagnation.

“Before the October elections, Liberians are coming out under the banner ‘Don’t Try It’ – any attempt, the people’s power would be exercised like the Arab Spring. You’ll shoot your gun; you’ll kill us or you’ll die. No more fear, Liberians don’t have fear anymore,” Sen. Johnson had stated.

His statement was swiftly condemned by the Joint Security, who stressed that Liberia is a nation governed by law. ECOWAS also voiced concerns through its Representative to Liberia.

However, speaking to the Voice of America, Senator Johnson clarified that he was not alluding to an armed rebellion but rather the exercise of people’s power. He said: “I said that any attempt to rig the elections, it will meet resistance by the people of Liberia. The constitution of the republic of Liberia, Article One says, all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are instituted by their authority for their benefits and their happiness. If their benefits are in limbo and their future is doomed, and the government becomes oppressive and dictatorial, and the people cannot benefit, massive corruption, extra judicial killings, importation of drugs and using Liberia as a drug trafficking state, the people have the right when you rig the election to go after you. The people’s power can be used. I did not talk about guns. I never talk about war.”

Liberia’s upcoming elections mark the fourth consecutive general elections since the country’s brutal civil war. These elections are significant as they will be the first post-war polls entirely managed and safeguarded by the National Elections Commission and Liberian security, without support from UN Peacekeeping troops, which ended their mission in Liberia in 2018.

Similar to the past three elections, observers and pundits are predicting that the presidential elections will be a two-horse race between the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), now the ruling party, and the Unity Party (UP), which has spent the last six years in opposition.

Senator Johnson accused the CDC of violating the Farmington Declaration and claimed that his statement was a warning aimed at the CDC, which he alleged has vowed to secure victory in the presidential election at any cost, including rigging it.

“They have always said, and it’s an open secret in Liberia. The CDCians have said the UP (Unity Party) spent 12 years in government, they did nothing for the country. They have only spent six years and they have done so much. And so, whether the UP wins or not, they will take it by force. They are planning to rig. So, I don’t know how they will do it. [Whether] they are using their influence and cash violence on the Election Commission. I don’t know but they have openly said they will rig.”

Senator Johnson has been a prominent figure in past Liberian elections, leveraging his support in vote-rich Nimba County, the country’s second most populous county. In 2017, his support for then-Senator George Weah played a significant role in Weah’s resounding victory over Vice President Boakai.

However, Senator Johnson’s political alignment shifted to Boakai, and his political party’s chairman, Jeremiah Koung, is now Boakai’s running mate. Johnson claimed that this change has not been well-received by the ruling CDC.

“They thought they would use cash violence to get me, but that did not happen. I am with the Rescue Team. With former Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and my own Junior Senator from Nimba County, Jeremiah Koung. So, they are frustrated and I am not a violent person,” he said.

As the elections draw nearer, supporters of the former ruling party have hinted at the possibility of election rigging by the government while simultaneously threatening unconventional reactions if such allegations prove true.

In a video obtained by FPA, former VP Boakai addressing one of his campaign rallies, warned that it would be “the end of Liberia” if the ruling CDC rigged the October 10 elections.

In the video, Ambassador Boakai stated, “That’s why you have to protect it [the votes]. If they think they’ll steal this election, we will not allow it because if you do it, that is the end of this country.”

Meanwhile, President Weah has referred to these statements from figures in the opposition Unity Party Alliance as “reckless rhetoric” and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections.

“Do not be swayed by reckless rhetoric. On October 10, you will wake up, go to the polls, and cast your votes for your chosen candidates,” President Weah emphasized. “We have faith in democratic processes, and we are dedicated to upholding them. The will of the people is our ultimate goal.”

THOUSANDS OF LIBERIAN FAMILIES are still lingering in pain due to the many relatives, loved ones and friends they lost to the hands of warlord Prince Johnson and his Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia.

THE LIST IS ENDLESS, and some very good and talented people: Fred Blay, former minister of Labor in Samuel Doe’s government, Larry Borteh, a former member of the People’s Redemption Council, Michael Doe, a former employee of Hotel Africa, who, according to eyewitnesses, was thrown from a high upper floor to the ground at the hotel.

ERIC SCOTT, A FORMER Liberian Diplomat at the Liberian embassy in Washington and husband of Mrs. Debbie Scott, the proprietor of the School of Prime System (SPS), Tilma Momolue Gardiner, former Senior Security officer for President William V.S. Tubman and Acting Director of Police during the Administration of William Tolbert.

THE LIST OF MR. JOHNSON’S victims also include musical icons, Tecumseh Roberts, Gedeh Rooster and Robert Toe.

THESE ARE JUST A FEW of the ones recalled in the presence of eyewitnesses.

WITH BARELY twenty days to the October 10 Presidential elections, Mr. Johnson, a member of the Liberian Senate, continues to rain insults on families of civil war victims with his daring audacity to throw tantrums and war rhetoric without any remorse for those slain at his hands.

ADDRESSING A NEWS conference this week, Mr. Johnson, who happens to be a prominent ally of former Vice President Joseph Boakai from the Unity Party, raised concerns about potential election interference by the ruling establishment and has threatened to fight back with arms in the cause of the people. In a press conference held on Monday, the Nimba County Senator, sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Treasury for ‘Pay for Play’ and corruption, says the impressive turnout exhibited during the launch of the Unity Party campaign is an indication of the people’s resolve to remove President George Weah from power.

SAID MR. JOHNSON: “Before the October elections, Liberians are coming out under the banner ‘Don’t Try It’ – any attempt, the people’s power would be exercised like the Arab Spring. You’ll shoot your gun; you’ll kill us, or you’ll die. No more fear, Liberians don’t be afraid anymore.”

THE FIRST Arab Spring was a series of anti-government protests, uprisings, and armed rebellions that spread across much of the Arab world in the early 2010s. It began in Tunisia in response to corruption and economic stagnation.

IRONICALLY, Senator Johnson’s statement re-echoes Mr. Boakai’s emphatic declaration of his preparedness to resist rigging of the October 10 elections. He made the statement in his message during the launch of his campaign on Sunday.

MR. BOAKAI HAS SAID THAT he is ready to work with international prosecutors to expose and arrest those who would foster electoral violence and derail our hard-won peace.

MR. BOAKAI also took some solace in the recent statement made by the United States government regarding safeguarding the integrity of these elections. He said, “While we welcome the imposition of sanctions on those who would attempt to thwart the will of the Liberian people, we call on ECOWAS, the United States, the European Union, the African Union, and organizations such as the International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES) to fully, thoroughly, and actively engage the process now to avert any threat that will undermine these elections by acknowledging and understanding the significance of identifying and combating any attempts to undermine this fundamental aspect of our society.”

WHILE IT IS TRUE THAT NO one wants to see any rigging of the upcoming elections, Prince Johnson is the last person any Liberian wants to hear not only advocating for it; but pushing the line of violence in the process.

THE UNITY PARTY AND former Vice President Boakai must disassociate itself from Mr. Johnson’s war rhetoric under the guise raising alarm on alleged vote rigging in the upcoming elections.

MR. BOAKAI is also under fire over his choice of Jeremiah Koung, an ally to the former warlord, as his vice-presidential pick. Koung is also a member of Johnson’s political party – the Movement for Democratic Reconstruction (MDR).

MR. BOAKAI AND THE UNITY PARTY owes it to Liberia and Liberians to remove itself from any rhetoric of Mr. Johnson advocating for violence and war.

THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS that during the civil war, Mr. Johnson was notorious for killing anyone who opposed or criticized his actions. When Hare Krishna devotees, who were distributing food to starving people in Monrovia during the chaos of the civil war, sent him a letter begging him to stop killing people, he personally orchestrated the murder of Hladini devi dasi—born Linda Jury—and five of her students on the bank of the Saint Paul River on the night of Thursday, 13 September 1990.

ON SEPTEMBER 9, 1990, Johnson’s supporters abducted President Samuel Doe from ECOMOG headquarters in the Monrovia port district. Doe was tortured and executed in Johnson’s custody on 9 September, with the spectacle videotaped and broadcast around the world. The video showed Johnson sipping a Budweiser beer and being fanned by an assistant as his men cut off Doe’s ear.

NO LIBERIAN SHOULD wish for war – or even tolerate anyone advocating for it. The best anyone can hope for is a peaceful, credible, free, and transparent elections that will continue Liberia’s post-war record of successive transfer of power from one government to the next, without vote rigging – or violence.

LOFA COUNTY – Prominent citizens of Lofa County, including elders, chiefs, zoes, and youth, say they have been left in shock and dismay following the leaking of a damaging audio recording that suggests what they consider “a sinister plot by Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson to eliminate Unity Party Standard Bearer Joseph Nyumah Boakai if their ticket should emerge victorious in the upcoming October 2023 election”.

In the leaked audio, Senator Prince Johnson can be heard making disturbing remarks, saying, “We’re fighting for Nimba County to take the lead, and Nimba will win in the name of Jesus. Bassa is with us, Gbarpolu with us, Bomi with us, Lofa with us, Bong County with us; what is your problem, and you’re on the radio on me? My brother, what have I done, you got to change.” He went on to add, “We’re fighting for you. When y’all turn to this man [Weah] against our prayer for Nimba to produce Vice President – this old man is old, he took Koung to be his Vice President when he wins, isn’t it Koung that would be doing the job for him? Can he go everywhere? No!”

According to the Elders of Lofa, these shocking statements from Senator Johnson seem to suggest that instead of Nimba County supporting Lofa County in the presidential race, there may be a hidden agenda to use the people of Nimba to harm Joseph Boakai, who hails from Lofa County.

The citizens of Lofa County stated that regardless of their political affiliations, they are deeply concerned and alarmed by the revelation of this alleged sinister plot by a former warlord with a dark history, having been implicated in the killing of the late President Samuel Kanyon Doe, who was democratically elected.

They stated that while there have been recent concerns about Joseph Boakai’s health, including reports of a minor stroke and his admission to ELWA Hospital and subsequent treatment abroad, they are skeptical of the motives behind those who continue to support him, despite his health challenges.

In response to the alarming audio leak, the citizens of Lofa County have announced their full support for the second-term bid of President George Manneh Weah. They believe that President Weah’s tenure has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of the people, unlike what they perceive as the selfish interests of certain politicians.

In the statement, the citizens of Lofa County declared their unwavering support for President Weah’s re-election, vowing to do whatever it takes to ensure his victory in the upcoming October 10, 2023, election. They referred to this campaign as “One Round Victor,” indicating their determination to secure a swift victory for President Weah.

MONROVIA – Joseph Boakai’s age as well as concerns about his health, are not only being wielded as a campaign weapon against him by the ruling party but are also being viewed as an advantage by supporters of his youthful running mate, Jeremiah Koung, who see it as a potential pathway for Koung to ascend to the Liberian presidency.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

Senator Jeremiah Koung, who is believed to be in his 50s, was surprisingly chosen by 78-year-old Boakai, following Boakai’s successful garnering of support from Senator Prince Johnson, an influential figure in vote-rich Nimba County.

Before Sen. Koung’s appointment as the Vice Standard Bearer of the Unity Party, Sen. Johnson voluntarily stepped down from his role as the political leader of the Movement for Democratic Reconstruction (MDR) in favor of Sen. Koung. While some political observers speculate that his decision might have been influenced by the U.S. sanctions imposed on him, others posit that it was a strategic move aimed at facilitating Sen. Koung’s candidacy as the running mate to the former Vice President.

Nimba is the second-largest vote-rich county in Liberia. The county has 307,254 registered voters. The county is known for voting on tribal lines.

Senator Prince Johnson, a staunch supporter of the CDC during the 2017 elections, played a pivotal role in securing an overwhelming majority of votes for the CDC in Nimba. He is now optimistic that with Senator Koung now being the Vice Standard Bearer of Boakai, Nimba County could be poised to make a significant stride toward obtaining the Liberian presidency.

In a recent recording of a telephone conversation obtained by FrontPageAfrica, Senator Koung is heard pleading with the Mayor of Karnplay in Gberlergeh District, Philip Flomo, to stop antagonizing the Unity Party’s ticket and rather join his team.

He says: “We’re fighting for Nimba County to take the lead and Nimba will win in the name of Jesus. Bassa is with us, Gbarpolu with us, Bomi with us, Lofa with us, Bong County with us; what is your problem and you’re on the radio on me? My brother, what have I done, you got to change.” Senator Johnson added, “We’re fighting for you. When y’all turn to this man [Weah] against our prayer for Nimba to produce Vice President – this old man is old, he took Koung to be his Vice President when he wins, isn’t it Koung that would be doing the job for him? Can he go everywhere? No!”

This is not the first time Sen. Johnson has referred to his political godson, Sen. Koung, as the potential de facto President should the Unity Party wins the October 10 elections.

During an elaborate political gathering in Nimba in July where Koung was officially unveiled to the people of Nimba as the running mate to Boakai, Sen. Johnson pronounced the Nimba County would produce the next President of Liberia through Jeremiah Koung.

“This is the pathway to the presidency,” the former war-lord-turned-politician, said, alluding to Koung’s selection as Boakai’s running mate.

During an OK FM interview in 2021, Sen. Koung asserted that he supported Joseph Boakai in the 2017 elections with the backdrop that he, Boakai, would be tired by 2023 and his brain may not function well.

Koung’s Selection Came with A Cost

Prior to Sen. Koung’s selection as running mate, there was a widely held expectation among members of the Unity Party that Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence would have been selected. Some also thought that Henry Costa was a fine option.

Boakai’s choice for running mate did not go down well with some of his long-standing political allies, such as Benoni Urey of the All Liberian Party, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, and Henry Costa, who was recently positioning himself as a potential running mate to the 78-year-old standard bearer.

Sen. Karnga-Lawrence has, however, decided to work with the Boakai’s campaign team, while the furry between Boakai, Costa, and Urey continues to widen.

After revealing his decision to the rest of his supporters in April this year, Boakai received an invitation to Urey’s residence. There, he gathered with Costa and other members from both the UP and ALP teams to revisit the announcement of Sen. Koung as the vice standard bearer. Despite the discussions and Urey’s evident disappointment, Boakai remained resolute in his choice, viewing it as his best path to victory in the election.

Sources familiar with the conversation shared with FrontPageAfrica that Urey, expressing his disappointment, posed a question to Boakai. He inquired whether Boakai was willing to engage with Senators Prince Johnson and Edwin Snowe, even if it meant “dancing with the devil.” It was suggested by some that these two senators would come as an additional burden with the selection of Koung, as they could exert their influence on him.

Much to their surprise, according to the insider, Boakai responded by saying, “If dancing with the devil is what it takes to win the elections, I am ready to do so.” Mr. Boakai was quoted as acknowledging, “Even the devil has a role to play. I may not favor Prince Johnson, but I must collaborate with him to secure victory.”

Monrovia – The Institute for Research and Democratic Development (IREDD) has placed in the red Senators George Weah, (CDC-Montserrado County), Prince Johnson (MDR-Nimba County) and Varney Sherman (UP-Grand Cape Mount County) for decimally performing under the period 2016 in their respective roles as lawmakers.

Report by Henry Karmo – henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

While the lawmakers are receiving failing marks, their counterparts Senator Alphonso Gaye (UP-Grand Gedeh County), Jewel Howard Taylor (NPP) Albert Chie (Grand Kru County) and Prince Moye – a member of the House of Representatives are receiving high marks for performance and attendance as lawmakers.

According to the IREDD report, the House of Representatives had seventy eight plenary sessions while the Liberian Senate held 80 (eighty) sessions.

Of the total, there were fourteen Lawmakers at the House of Representatives who almost attended all of the plenary sittings.

The lawmakers include Prince K. Moye of Bong County attending all of the 78 plenary sittings giving him a score of A+.

The others who got the high scores include: Mary M. Karwor, Robertson Siaway, Mambu M. Sonni, and Emanuel Z. Pennue, Morias T. Waylee, Julie F. Wiah, Clarence Massaquoi, Bill Twehnway, Henry B. Fahnbulleh, Adolph B. Lawrence, Christian S. Chea, Charles K Bardyl and Jeremiah W.N. McCauley.

They all got the average scores of A.

The report also states that at the Liberian Senate, there were five Senators who got the highest in plenary attendance.

Those Senators include; Sen. Francis S. PAYE of Rivercess, Sen. Albert Chie of Grand Kru, Sen.  George Tengbeh of Lofa, Sen. Jewel H. Taylor of Bong and J. Milton Teahjah of Sinoe Counties, they all got the average score of A at the Liberian Senate for plenary attendance.

 On the contrary, there were nine (9) Representatives who got the lowest attendance during the plenary session.

Those lawmakers include Alex J. Tyler, Hon. Haja F. Siryon. Alfred G. Koiwood,  Gertrude Larmin, and Hans M. Barchure all got the average scores of D in plenary attendance.

Others who got the lowest plenary attendance include Hon. Alex C. Grant, Hon. Roland Cooper and Hon. James Biney. They got the average scores of F. in plenary attendance.

“Conversely, there were five Senators who got the lowest plenary attendance at the Liberian Senate. Those Senator include Sen. George M. Weah of Montserrado, Sen. Prince Y. Johnson, Sen. Varney Sherman of Grand Cape Mount, Sen. Matthew N. Jaye of Rivergee and Marshall Dennis of Grand Gedeh counties. The five Senators got the average score of F.

“However, we also wish to note that Sen. George Weah and Sen. Prince Johnson frequently attends ECOWAS parliament,” the report states.

The IREDD report also states that, there were six Representatives who got the highest debates in plenary session.

Those Representatives include: Hon. Gabriel B. Smith, Hon. Byron Browne, Hon. Thomas P. Fallah, Hon. Larry P. Younquoi and Hon. Byron W. Zamwea.

They all were seen speaking 100 times and above. On the order hand, there were four Representatives who got the lowest plenary debates. Those Representatives include:   Malai G. Gborga,   Charles K. Bardyl,   Roland Cooper and   Jeremiah McCauley. They all spoke three and four times respectively.

At the Liberian Senate, there were five Senators who got the highest debates in plenary session. 

Those Senators include; Sen. Alphonso G. Gaye of Grand Gedeh, Sen. Jewel H. Taylor of Bong, J. Milton Teahjah,  Sen. Nyonblee K. Lawrence of Gran Bassa, and Sen. Geraldine Doe-Sheriff of Montserrado Counties. 

On the order hand, there were four Senators who got the lowest plenary debate, those Senators include; Sen. George M. Weah, Sen. Matthew N. Jaye, Prince Y. Johnson and Sen. Marshall Dennis of Grand Gedeh Counties.

There were three Representatives who got the highest plenary distant.

Those Lawmakers include:   Hans Barchure of Grand Bassa County, Hon. Alex C, Grant of Grand Gedeh County and Hon. Edwin M. Snowe of Montserrado County. 

These Lawmakers were seen distant 24 times and above.

The IREDD report also claims there were five Senators who got the highest distant times at the Liberian Senate, those Senators include; Sen. Dan. H. Morias of Maryland, Sen. Sando Johnson of Bomi Sen. George Weah of Montserrado, Sen. Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba, and Sen. Marshall A. Dennis of Grand Gedeh counties. Sen. Weah got the highest distant times amongst the five Senators with 28 distant times.

At the Liberian Senate, there were five Senators, who got the highest excuse times, those Senators include: Sen. Henry Yallah of Bong County, Sen. Daniel Naatehn, Sen. Dallas A. Gueh of Rivercess, Sen. Commany B. Wesseh of Rivergee and Sen. Thomas  Grupee of Nimba Counties. However, Sen. Henry Yallah got the highest excuse amongst the five Senators with 12 absent times.

The report also revealed that during the period, the Liberian Senate received a total of one hundred eighty-four nominees from the office of the President of the Republic of Liberia for confirmation and of the 184, the Senate confirmed 166 Presidential nominees and placed on hold,  Akoi Zogbo Commissioner, Voinjama District, Lofa County for further scrutiny one nominee.

The Liberian Senate denied one Presidential nominee Siafa V. G. Konneh, Commission Designate Gbarma District, Gbarpolu County and 16 nominees are pending confirmation hearings.

The CSO group is recommending serious reforms in the structure and governance of all the legislative committee and the overall governance of the legislature especially in the number power given the Speaker as per their rules as they prepare for the 54th Legislature