-At Fallen Sen. Johnson’s funeral
Shallon S. Gonlor / shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY — Scores of conscience Nimbains have frowned at Grand Gedeh County Senator, Thomas Yaya Nimely’s tribute at Prince Yormie Johnson’s state funeral ceremony, describing it as disturbing, disunity, and unacceptable.
At the funeral of the late Senator Prince Johnson, Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, while laying tribute, alleged that the fallen senator died from pressure that emerged from efforts by the current administration to establish the war crimes Court in Liberia. He accused the ruling Unity Party (UP) of betraying the late Senator.
But speaking Monday on “Everyday Talkshow” on Radio Nimba via telephone, the citizens condemned the remarks of Senator Nimely, noting that his political statement has the propensity to cause chaos and crisis in the county, including the government.
They warned that politicians, including Senator Nimely, be mindful of their words and avoid statements that could bring disunity to the country. The citizens emphasized that Nimely’s political statement believed to be a tribute did not augur well for the unity of the county and nation in their time of mourning a statesman whose legacy lives on.
According to them, the reason for the political statement of Senator Nimely aimed to divide the county, stating that his divisive politics to gain favor from the masses would not work. Seemingly aggrieved citizens noted that encouraging divisions in their county will only retract the gains made in development and cripple the realization of the government’s ambitious promises.
Nimbains meanwhile urged all, including political actors, to remain vigilant to ensure that differences of opinion among them do not lead to situations that could harm the country’s progress and its people. They argued that it is incumbent on ordinary citizens and political leaders to commit to peace, admonishing them to be very careful about what they say in order to foster national peace, unity, and tranquility.
“Let’s be very careful about what we say here, to whom we say it, and how we say it. We must be careful when we speak, and we must speak the language that will bring people together.
We are interested in what you contribute to the betterment of your country and not what your community is standing behind you to tell you what to do. Let us focus our attention on the transformation of Liberia and not the division of Liberia. We urge all leaders to go that direction, “ the stressed.
The residents added that there is no, politician, tribe an individual in the country that can walk alone and go far,” said residents. “We want a country where all Liberians will feel comfortable wherever they are,” calling on Liberians to avoid leaders, planting seeds of discord amongst them. There may be differences of opinion between various political parties and the people. But these differences should not reach a level where the country, its progress, and its people are harmed, or where the natural desires of the people are hindered. We must remain cautious to ensure that no such situation arises,” said Nimba citizens.
Political tributes
Recently, the ground of the LPRC Terminal in Ganta City where thousands of mourners gathered to pay final farewell to fallen Nimba County Senator Prince Yormie Johnson was politically tense when politicians took the podium in war-of-words.
The late senator’s state funeral ceremony was supposed to be a solemn occasion to honor a man who had played an important role in Liberia’s history. However, the event turned into a political battlefield, with prominent figures in Liberian politics using the opportunity to advance their own narratives about the country’s troubled past and uncertain future.
Among those to speak, Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely’s tribute attributed Johnson’s death to perceived betrayal by President Joseph Boakai’s Administration over the establishment of a War Crimes Court in Liberia.
Senator Nimely, a long-time friend of the deceased senator tribute quickly shifted from a personal reflection to a strong political statement. He described Johnson as a man who had been betrayed by President Joseph Boa kai’s Administration for failing to uphold promises made to Johnson to buy time and spared him prosecution for his involvement in the country’s brutal civil war.
However, the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, Nimely argued, was a sharp betrayal of the senator’s trust, effectively opening the door for possible prosecution and public disgrace.
Nimba Caucus Remains United
At the same time, Nimba County Senator, Nyan Tuayen, Jr. has assured the people of Nimba that the passing of Senator Prince Y. Johnson, though sad, has motivated and united members of the Nimba Legislative Caucus. He said the caucus will remain focused on development, fostering unity and commitment to defending the county like the home-going senator.
Paying tribute to the fallen chairman of the Nimba Legislative Caucus, Senator Tuayen, Jr. went on to inform Senator Johnson to tell all great departed leaders of the county that the county founded in 1964 is doing well among counties in Liberian. He maintains that the legacy of Senator Johnson will forever be remembered, noting that the path laid by the three-time senator of Nimba will always be looked up to for the unity and development of Nimba.
“Senator Johnson showed what is possible for our county and within each one of us — if we believe, dream, and work together. We will continue, each day to be inspired by his lifelong example and his call to never cease working for a better and more just Nimba”.
The Nimba 55th Legislative Caucus observed a minute of silence and paid tributes to the fallen caucus chair. Current members of the caucus laid a wreath at the coffin of Senator Johnson and a moment of silence was observed. In remarks on behalf of caucus members, Senator Nyan Tuayen said the nation and county, of Nimba was shaped by the brave man who gave his all in service.
