By Grace Q. Bryant
An unusual scene unfolded at the Capitol Building on Monday, January 13, as members of the House of Representatives refrained from signing the Book of Condolence in memory of Senator Prince Y. Johnson.
Apparently, the majority’s Speaker, Richard Koon was instructed to sign on behalf of his team but as unusual as it was, the Representatives failed to show up and even those who showed up, refused to sign thereby casting doubts on their decision and attitudes towards the usual legislative protocol.
President Joseph Boakai led the tribute followed by Vice President Jeremiah Koung and then the Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence but to the amazement of all, only Koon signed and later together they drove off.
The event which took place for the first time in living memory in the open was greeted by a furnace atmosphere, yet the executive and the senators adhered to the protocol of signing the book of condolence to honor their colleague.
In the glare of their guests and other government officials and partners as well as the bereaved family, the Representatives left the Capitol Building and returned to their City Hall chamber where they had earlier opened the first day sitting of the 2nd Session to attend their organized reception.
The decision to skip the solemn event prompted speculation about possible political motives behind their absence.
The late Senator Johnson, often referred to as the “Political Godfather of Nimba County,” was a significant yet controversial figure in Liberian politics.
Born on July 6, 1952, in Nyor Gormahplay, Nimba County, Johnson, a former warlord, religious leader, and founder of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) served nearly two decades as a senator before passing away on November 28, 2024, at the age of 73, following a brief illness at the Hope for Women Hospital in Paynesville.
The official funeral schedule, released by the Public Affairs Committee, includes several ceremonies to honor the late Senator.
On Tuesday, January 14, a lying-in-state event is expected to be held at the Capitol Building and might be in the scotching sun instead of the burned Rotunda followed by a wake-keeping at Christ Chapel of Faith Ministry in Paynesville.
His remains will then be transported to Nimba County for additional services, including a state funeral at PYJ’s Polytechnic University in Gompa City.
Meanwhile, the ceremonies offered an opportunity for reflection on Senator Johnson’s legacy, the absence of the Representatives during the Capitol signing has drawn criticism and sparked debate about unity and respect within the Legislature.
The Representatives’ decision to prioritize the City Hall reception over the condolence signing has cast a shadow over the event, with many questioning whether political differences or personal sentiments influenced their actions during this solemn moment of national mourning.
