PYJ Withdraws Support from Ruling Party’s Senatorial Candidate Ahead of By-election

GANTA – As Nimba voters prepare for the upcoming by-election, Senator Prince Johnson, the self-proclaimed godfather of the county, has withdrawn his support from the Unity Party’s senatorial candidate, Nya D. Twayen, Jr.

Senator Johnson stated that his decision was prompted by the Unity Party government’s persistent advocacy for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court to prosecute individuals implicated in serious crimes during the Liberian civil war. Senator Johnson, a significant figure from that period, is among those who could face prosecution if such a court is instituted in Liberia. He says the push for the court is a targeted move against him.

Johnson emphasized that his Movement for Democracy and Reconciliation played a pivotal role in bringing the Unity Party to power. However, instead of focusing on development and reconciliation, he believes the government is now engrossed in initiatives that could foster discord, notably their pursuit of a war and economic crimes court.

His remarks come shortly after the Liberian Senate adopted a resolution advocating for the establishment of the court. Senator Johnson himself signed the resolution but later claimed he did so under duress.

“I was forced to sign the resolution to established war and economic crimes court on grounds that I’m their target. If I were to refuse [to sign], the world would look at me to be a bad person,” Senator Johnson said in a phone-in interview on Radio Zoe-geh in Bahn, NImba District #7.