President Joseph Boakai has paid his last respect to fallen former Nimba County District 9 Representative, Johnson Gwaikolo, describing his passing as a loss to the country and citizenry.
Former Rep. Gwaikolo, who died sometime last month, had a well-attended funeral, held over the weekend, at the Tubman Memorial United Methodist Church in Paynesville, with families, friends, government officials, and other prominent citizens in attendance to bid him farewell.
The President, delivering his tribute, eulogized the fallen former lawmaker as a great statesman, lamenting that Gwaikolo’s death is a huge loss, not only to his family and the people of Nimba County, but also to the nation.
The President recounted that he and Gwaikolo had a long-standing relationship dating as far back as 1992, when they both returned to Monrovia after the cessation of hostilities, as well as part of a Civil Society Organization known as the Movement for the Protection of Liberian Interests, in which the late Gwaikolo distinguished himself as a good man.
Speaking highly about the late former Nimba lawmaker’s achievements and contributions to Liberia and its citizenry, he also highlighted the circumstances leading up to the former lawmaker’s death, urging Liberians to join hands with the government to reposition the country.
The family of Gwaikolo then extends heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Liberia, the former President George M. Weah Sr, and Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), fraternal organizations including the Freemasons and Lion’s Club of Liberia, the Martha Tubman Memorial United Methodist Church and Liberia Annual Conference, Nimba County Legislative Caucus, the resilient people of Electoral District 9 and the loving people of Nimba County for their unwavering support during the home going of Hon. Johnson Nagoon Gwaikolo.
Mrs. Gifty Gwaikolo, the widow, expresses deep appreciation for the outpouring of moral and financial support received during these difficult moments for the family.
The family acknowledges the efforts made to ensure Gwaikolo received a dignified state burial ceremony, particularly in his hometown of Zekepa, Nimba County.
Mrs. Gwaikolo is profoundly moved by the thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds who traversed the St. John River on ferry and undertook lengthy journeys to stand in solidarity with the family during this period of mourning.
