Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson pronounce Dead

Nimba County Senator Prince Yormie Johnson has died, family sources confirmed. The incident occurred early Thursday morning, November 28, 2024. Reports indicate that Senator Johnson collapsed in his bathroom while showering and went into a coma. He was rushed to the Hope for Women Hospital in Paynesville, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The cause of his death has not been disclosed. Scores of supporters gathered at his Paynesville residence to express their condolences. One sympathizer shared, “The senator just returned from Nimba on Tuesday, where he renamed his college after his mother. I saw him on his porch that day.”

Senator Johnson’s Recent Activities

Senator Johnson was last seen publicly on November 25, when he hosted an event to honor the late Gnassingbé Eyadéma, former President of Togo. During the ceremony, he named the auditorium of his university after Eyadéma, recognizing his contributions to peace in Liberia and West Africa.

A Controversial Legacy

Prince Johnson, often referred to as the "Godfather of Nimba," was a polarizing figure in Liberian politics and history. A former warlord during the Liberian Civil War, Johnson led the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL), a splinter group from Charles Taylor's NPFL. He is infamously remembered for the capture and execution of former President Samuel Doe in 1990, a moment that became symbolic of the war’s brutality.

Following the end of Liberia’s civil wars, Johnson transitioned into politics. He was elected as Senator for Nimba County in 2005 and re-elected in 2014 and 2023. He also ran for the presidency twice, finishing third in 2011 and fourth in 2017.

Military Background

Johnson’s military career began in 1971 when he joined the Liberian National Guard, which later became the Armed Forces of Liberia. He received training in both Liberia and the United States. His time in the military included service as an aide-de-camp to General Thomas Quiwonkpa.

Political Career

After his exile and eventual return to Liberia in 2004, Johnson founded the National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP) and later the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR). He remained a significant political figure, despite ongoing controversies surrounding his wartime actions.

Reflection on His Life

Born in Tapeta, Nimba County, Johnson rose to prominence through a mix of military influence, political maneuvering, and his undeniable impact on Liberia’s recent history. His death marks the end of an era for one of Liberia's most controversial and influential leaders.