Ganta, Nimba County-In a heartfelt message to the people of Nimba, Mrs. Boiyedi Johnson, the widow of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, has expressed deep gratitude for the immense love and support shown to her husband during his life and at his passing.
By Willie Tokpah, [email protected]
Memorial service for the late senator, held on Saturday, January 18, at the LPRC Terminal in Ganta, gathered thousands of mourners, including political, religious, and traditional leaders, to honor a man whose legacy was deeply intertwined with the history of Nimba County and Liberia.
Mrs. Johnson, in a Docoration Day Message to the people of Nimba County, reflected the unity exhibited by them and Liberians at large in giving her husban a befitting burial.
“I have come in the name of my children, myself, and our family to say thank you to the people of Nimba for the honor you gave my husband, your son, and father when he was with us and even during his death,” Mrs. Johnson said, standing before a large crowd of mourners.
She continued to reflect on her husband’s life and the special bond he shared with the people of Nimba.
“My husband was a man who lived his life for Nimba, and the people of Nimba stood by him and were forever good to him,” Mrs. Johnson said.
“The love that the people of Nimba demonstrated for Senator Johnson is something I have never seen in our country.”
Mrs. Johnson highlighted how the people of Nimba’s unwavering support for her husband throughout his career made him a historic and influential figure.
“To the youth, the mothers, our religious people, and the traditional people of Nimba, for 19 years, you stood by Senator Johnson, and you supported him. You made him a great and historic figure in our land,” she said.
Acknowledging the Historic Burial
In addition to lauding the people of Nimba for their continued support, Mrs. Johnson took a moment to express appreciation for the historic burial given to her husband.
While tradition may discourage public acknowledgments of contributions made during burial ceremonies, she felt it was important to recognize the extraordinary effort that went into laying Senator Johnson to rest.
Even though she noted that her people say “you can’t tell people thank you for contributions towards burial,” she sees it necessary to express appreciation for the historic burial giving Senator Johnson, terming him a hero.
Mrs. Johnson further singled out her son, Jeremiah Koung, for ensuring that the funeral was conducted with the dignity befitting her husband’s legacy.
“To my son Jeremiah Koung, I say thank you for ensuring that daddy is laid to rest in such a historic manner,” Mrs. Johnson remarked.
Mrs. Johnson also expressed her appreciation to the traditional leaders, the political parties, and all those who joined in honoring her husband.
She commended the religious community for their constant support, as well as the legislative caucus of Nimba for the backing they gave Senator Johnson during his time in office.
A Call for Continued Unity and Support
In her emotional address, Mrs. Johnson made a heartfelt appeal to the people of Nimba that the senator is gone, but she is here.
“I am the mother of Nimba’s children”, she said.
Urging the people not to forget her or her children, she said “Let the people of Nimba not hesitate to call on me at any time.
She closed her remarks with a call for unity within Nimba County, emphasizing the importance of standing together in the face of adversity.
Mrs. Johnson expressed prayer that Nimba remain united, nothing that she is optimistic that nothing can divide Nimbians.
The memorial service for Senator Prince Yormie Johnson marked a pivotal moment in the history of Nimba County.
Mrs. Boiyedi Johnson’s words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the enduring love and devotion her husband inspired in the hearts of the people of Nimba.
At the same time, Mrs. Johnson said she would formerly appreciate the government and the people of Liberia for their support toward giving her husband a befittinf burial in the soonest possible time.
A Distinguished Assembly Honors Senator Johnson
On Saturday, January 18, a distinguished assembly of Liberia’s political, business, and judicial leaders convened at the LPRC Terminal in Ganta to pay their respects to the late Nimba County Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.
The memorial service drew thousands of mourners, reflecting the profound impact of Senator Johnson’s life and career.
President Joseph Boakai led the delegation, accompanied by Vice President Jeremiah Koung, a political protégé of the late senator. Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karngar Lawrence and Speaker of the Majority Bloc Richard Koon were also in attendance, underscoring the bipartisan recognition of Senator Johnson’s contributions.
The service marked a rare convergence of current and former lawmakers, as well as local leaders from Nimba County, highlighting the deep respect and influence Senator Johnson commanded.
Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, who passed away at the age of 72, was a pivotal figure in Liberia’s history, known for his role during the civil war and his subsequent political career. His passing marks the end of an era for Nimba County and the nation at large.
