The passing of Senator Prince Y. Johnson, widely regarded as Nimba County’s political godfather, has left a significant void in Liberian politics. Amid the reflections and testimonies offered by fellow senators, one particular narrative from Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has ignited controversy.
During a Senate session on Tuesday, December 3, lawmakers shared their final moments with Senator Johnson, who had served nearly two decades in the Senate. These reflections were intended to honor his legacy and console the nation in its period of mourning. However, Senator Dillon’s testimony, perceived as politically charged, has drawn intense backlash, particularly from partisans of the ruling Unity Party.
In his account, Senator Dillon disclosed that during his last interaction with the late Senator Johnson, the Nimba County stalwart had pleaded with him to ask President Joseph Boakai to secure a job for his daughter. According to Dillon, he promised to convey the message during the Grand Bassa Superintendent Memorial Service in Buchanan, where he planned to meet the President. Tragically, the news of Senator Johnson’s death broke before Dillon could follow up.
This revelation has provoked accusations from Unity Party supporters and executives, who claim Dillon’s narrative undermines the perceived closeness between Senator Johnson and President Boakai. They argue that Johnson, whose influence was instrumental in Boakai’s 2023 electoral victory, had significant access to the presidency. To suggest otherwise, critics assert, is both inaccurate and politically motivated.
Dillon’s testimony has been interpreted by some as an attempt to cast doubt on the relationship between Senator Johnson and the Unity Party leadership, particularly Vice President Jeremiah Koung. Koung, a disciple of Senator Johnson, was selected as Boakai’s running mate largely due to Johnson’s influence and the political weight of Nimba County. This strategic alliance was pivotal in securing the Unity Party’s return to power.
Critics contend that Dillon’s comments imply neglect by the Unity Party government, suggesting that Johnson lacked meaningful access to the presidency after his critical role in the elections. These claims have triggered a wave of reactions, including videos of Johnson praising President Boakai for providing opportunities to members of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) and Nimba County residents.
Others, however, view Dillon’s remarks as a bold disclosure, highlighting what they perceive as the administration’s sidelining late Senator Johnson after achieving its political goals. These dissenting voices question why a political figure of Johnson’s stature would need to rely on a third party to secure employment for his daughter.
This controversy comes amid reports of internal discord among members of the “Rescue Mission”. Allegations have emerged that Vice President Koung is orchestrating a campaign to undermine Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence, a close ally of Senator Dillon. While these claims remain unverified, political analysts speculate that such maneuvers could position Koung as a leading contender for the 2029 presidential race.
Koung has also faced criticism for his recent clarification that he is not a member of the National Democratic Reformation (NDR), despite having served as its standard-bearer before aligning with the Unity Party. His statement, aimed at solidifying his loyalty to the ruling party, has sparked outrage among NDR members, who view it as a betrayal of his roots.
The death of Senator Prince Johnson marks the end of his era for Nimba County politics. However, the controversies surrounding his legacy and the testimonies of his final days have laid bare the cracks within Liberia’s political landscape.
As the nation mourns, questions linger: Did Johnson truly lack proximity to the presidency in his final days, or are these narratives part of a broader political strategy? And how will these revelations shape the political aspirations of figures like Vice President Koung and Senator Dillon in the years to come?
For now, the answers remain shrouded in speculation, as Liberia continues to face implications of this political drama.
