By Jamesetta D Williams
Monrovia-Almost two years after the surprised passing of former Nimba County Senator Prince Y, Johnson, citizens of the county are still trying to figure out reasons behind the tragedy. But some of them are convinced his death is tied to pressure from establishment of war crimes court in Liberia.
One of those who harbors the conviction is former Good Governance Commission (GGC) Executive Chairperson Cllr. Garrison Doldeh Yealue Jr.
Cllr. Yealue accused the Unity Party (UP) and the Movement for Reconstruction and Development (MRD) of pressuring the late Senator Johnson in connection with discussions surrounding a possible War Crimes Court.
Yealue made the allegation during a radio interview in Ganta, Nimba County, while discussing a range of national and local political issues.
According to Yealue, the pressure allegedly contributed to the death of Senator Johnson, popularly known as PYJ.
“The Unity Party and MRD killed Senator Prince Yormie Johnson under pressure from the War Crimes Court. They lied to him and killed him,” Yealue alleged during the broadcast.
Yealue did not provide evidence during the portion of the discussion reviewed to substantiate his allegation or establish a direct link between the Unity Party, MRD, the War Crimes Court issue, and Senator Johnson’s death.
Senator Johnson, a former longtime representative of Nimba County in the Liberian Senate and a prominent political figure, died in November 2024 after a period of illness.
The circumstances surrounding his death, as described by Yealue, have not been independently established by the information contained in the statement.
Yealue’s allegation is likely to draw attention because of Senator Johnson’s political influence in Nimba County and the continuing national debate over accountability for Liberia’s civil wars.
The allegation also comes amid political discussions over the proposed establishment of a war crimes court and the positions taken by political actors regarding accountability for crimes committed during Liberia’s civil conflicts.
The Unity Party and MRD have not, in the statement provided, responded to Yealue’s allegation.
Further clarification from Yealue regarding the evidence supporting his claim, as well as responses from the Unity Party, MRD, and Senator Johnson’s family, would be necessary to establish the basis of the allegation.
The issue is expected to remain part of the broader political debate in Nimba County as discussions continue over political unity, national leadership, accountability, and the county’s political future.
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