By Bill W. Cooper
Grand Gedeh County Senator, Zoe Emmanuel Pennue has vehemently denied allegations that some citizens of Gedeh County attempted to steal the body of the late Senator of Nimba County and former warlord, Prince Johnson from the Striker Funeral parlor.
Sen. Pennue also described the allegation against his kinsmen as “politically motivated and means to bring about the turbulent historical past that occurred between the two counties decades ago.
“These allegations are not only false but are also a deliberate attempt to sow discord between our two counties. Also, we must remember that we are all Liberians, and we should not allow our past to dictate our present or future,” he admonished.
The late Prince Johnson, a controversial figure in Liberia’s history, was known for his role as a warlord during the civil war and later as a senator, especially his historical assassination of former President Samuel K. Doe who was an ethnic Krahn from Grand Gedeh County.
The former Senator was however reported dead recently, at the Hope for Women Clinic, after he allegedly fell off at his residence while taking his shower, but his death has reignited discussions about his legacy and the impact of his actions on the country.
Johnson’s funeral preparation has since drawn significant attention, with citizens across Liberia paying their respects.
However, it was reported recently that some unknown individuals believed to be from Grand Gedeh attempted to steal his body as a means to prevent him from receiving a befitting farewell.
But in response to the allegation, Sen. Pennue emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration between Gedeh and Nimba counties, noting that both counties are one family and will always be.
“We have a responsibility to work together for the betterment of our people and that was observed at all times in the Senate during the life of our fallen colleague, Sen. Johnson. So, these rumors are just for political reasons,” he noted.
Sen. Pennue also expressed his dismay over the allegations, labeling them as unfounded and untrue, and said, “These claims are not only false but are also a dangerous attempt to manipulate the emotions of our people.”
“I stand firmly against any actions that would lead to conflict or unrest between Grand Gedeh and Nimba. We must work towards unity and peace, not division because the war is long over and both counties have moved past those days,” he intoned.
He further revealed, ” “Prince Johnson was a significant figure in our nation’s history, and his passing should be treated with the utmost respect. So, any suggestion that Grand Gedians would engage in such a disgraceful act is not only offensive but also a misrepresentation of the fact.”
The senator at the same time called on leaders to reject the allegations being propagated by those seeking to exploit the situation for political gain, and admonished, “We must stand together against those who want to divide us, and let’s all promote peace than allowing the Senator’s death to be a catalyst for further conflict.”
Sen. Pennue also pledged to work with leaders of both counties to ensure that the peace amongst the people of Nimba and Grand Gedeh Counties is maintained and preserved.
The senator added, “We need to move past our differences and work together for a better future, and that is something that the people of Grand Gedeh and Nimba counties continue to do, evidenced by the stronger relationship between Vice President Jeremiah Koung, Senator Thomas Yaya Nimley and former Sen. Johnson, and myself because the time for healing is now!”
He concluded by reiterating his commitment to fostering peace and cooperation between Gedeh and Nimba counties, and asserted, “Let us honor the memory of those we have lost by working towards a brighter future for all Liberians. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a nation that we can all be proud of.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Pennue also use the occasion to commend Gender Minister, Gbeme Horace-Kollie for selecting citizens from Grand Gedeh County to form part of President Joseph Boakai’s recent delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Sen. Pennue described the Minister’s action as a great step forward in reconciling Liberia and added, “I was so impressed when I saw that little girl on the delegation. The Minister has selected a different person because it is right and could say our people never voted for the President, but yet she chose one of her daughters, this in my mind is a big step towards reconciliation.”
