BAHN CITY, Nimba County — The funeral of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, a towering figure in Nimba’s political and cultural history, became a flashpoint for fierce exchanges between Vice President Jeremiah Koung and Senator Thomas Yaya Nimley of Grand Gedeh County.
By Gibson Gee & Nyantee S. Togba, with The Liberian Investigator
Senator Nimley, delivering a fiery eulogy, accused Vice President Koung and President Joseph Boakai of betraying the late Senator Johnson. He claimed the administration’s push for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia had caused emotional stress that contributed to Johnson’s demise. Nimley alleged that Johnson had been pressured into supporting the court’s creation despite his earlier efforts to stall it, an action he attributed to the betrayal of those closest to him.
“Senator Johnson supported past leaders to buy time so that he wouldn’t be prosecuted,” Nimely declared, to a mix of cheers and murmurs. “The new President promised Senator Johnson time, but when the time came, the time was not given.”
He added, “Senator Johnson was betrayed by those he trusted most,” Nimley declared. “His death is a direct result of the government’s abandonment of its commitment to protect its own.”
The remarks provoked an immediate and sharp response from Vice President Koung, who was visibly agitated. Koung, a close protégé of the late senator, rebuffed the accusations, asserting that Johnson had willingly signed the resolution for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court as a demonstration of his belief in justice and his innocence. “Senator Johnson was never found guilty of any war crimes,” Koung retorted. “He wanted to clear his name and set the record straight. To suggest otherwise is not only disingenuous but disrespectful to his memory.”
The altercation has also intensified debates about the legacy of Senator Johnson, who was both celebrated as a hero in Nimba and criticized for his controversial role during Liberia’s civil war.
President Joseph Boakai, in his tribute, hailed Johnson as a man of courage who played a pivotal role in Liberia’s political landscape. “Senator Johnson will truly be missed. He played his part for the country,” Boakai remarked.
Former President George Weah described Johnson as a complex figure who sought reconciliation despite his controversial past. “He was a great man who, despite the complexities of his history, worked to promote peace and forgiveness. Let us reflect on his passing and recommit to unity and healing,” Weah said.
Kogar’s Controversial Ritual
While the clash between Koung and Nimley grabbed immediate attention, the funeral also witnessed another controversial event involving Representative Samuel G. Kogar of Nimba County’s District 5. During the traditional ceremony, Kogar performed a ritual that involved leaping over Johnson’s corpse four times, a symbolic act meant to transfer the late senator’s warrior mantle to him.
Traditional leaders and some community members have defended the ritual as a cultural practice aimed at preserving heritage. “This is about preserving our traditions,” said Ed-Nuah Tuazama, the son of a Zoegeh traditional leader. “Kogar, as both a family member and leader, was eligible to receive Senator Johnson’s warrior mantle.”
However, critics have dismissed the ceremony as a political stunt designed to position Kogar as Johnson’s successor ahead of the looming by-election. “This was not about culture; it was a political show,” argued Cyrus Ricardo Dwayne, a vocal critic of Kogar’s actions. “Kogar is simply using our traditions to further his political ambitions.”
Public Outrage and Defense
The fallout from the ceremony has sparked heated debates across Nimba. Some residents have condemned the ritual as a betrayal of Senator Johnson’s Christian faith, stating that he had embraced Christianity and founded the Christ Chapel of Faith. “These rituals are unnecessary and disrespectful to his legacy,” argued Ricky Roberts, a community leader.
Others have defended Kogar, pointing out that similar ceremonies were performed for Johnson during his lifetime without public backlash. “Let traditions be traditions,” said Abigail Karneh, a supporter of cultural practices. “When it’s time for politics, we shall realign. For now, let us honor our heritage.”
The Shadow of Johnson’s Legacy
Born on July 6, 1948, in Tappita, Nimba County, Johnson’s rise to prominence began as an officer in the Liberian National Guard, which later became the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). After receiving military training in both Liberia and the United States, Johnson became an aide-de-camp to General Thomas Quiwonkpa. His early career was marked by his allegiance to Quiwonkpa and eventual exile following a failed coup against President Samuel Doe.
Johnson’s notoriety peaked during the First Liberian Civil War. He aligned with Charles Taylor’s National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) before forming the breakaway Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL). In September 1990, his forces captured, tortured, and executed President Samuel Doe in an incident that was videotaped and widely broadcast. The graphic footage cemented his reputation as one of the most infamous figures in Liberia’s turbulent history.
Following the disbandment of the INPFL and his exile to Nigeria in 1992, Johnson underwent a dramatic transformation. While in Nigeria, he converted to Christianity and reconciled with the family of Samuel Doe through the intervention of prominent Nigerian pastor T.B. Joshua. His return to Liberia in 2004 coincided with the nation’s efforts to recover from the Second Liberian Civil War.
Johnson successfully transitioned into politics, winning a Senate seat in 2005. Despite his violent past, he cultivated a strong support base in Nimba County, leveraging his influence in the region to remain a key player in Liberian politics. He formed and led political parties, including the National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP) and the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR).
While his tenure in the Senate was marked by his advocacy for Nimba County, Johnson was no stranger to controversy. In 2021, he was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for alleged corruption, including the sale of votes for financial gain. Despite these accusations, Johnson retained his political relevance, securing re-election to the Senate in 2023.
As Nimba prepares for the upcoming by-election, the controversies surrounding Kogar’s ritual and the Koung-Nimley altercation could greatly affect the ballots.
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