By Bill W. Cooper
Prince Y. Johnson, one of LIberia’s longest-serving senators has passed away.
PYJ, a lad from Tappita City who made himself a household name in Nimba County, died at the Hope for Women Medical Clinic in Paynesville at the age of 76.
The news was confirmed by family members and medical practitioners.
The cause of his death is undisclosed, but family sources told the Inquirer Newspaper that the senator fell off at his Duport Road residence and was later rushed to the Hope for Women Medical Clinic where he was pronounced dead on November 28, 2024.
Born on July 6, 1948, Sen. Johnson played a significant role in Liberia’s tumultuous history and was known for his controversial leadership during the civil war and his subsequent transition into a political figure by his consistent reelection into the senatorial seat by his kinsmen overwhelmingly.
His political relevance grew through the rebel movement National Patriotic Front of Liberia.
(NPFL) established by former President Charles Taylor after achieving his goal of murdering former President Samuel K. Doe, he left and formed the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) during the heat of the civil crisis and later founded the National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP) and moved in that the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), a party that was successful in making several lawmakers.
Following the disbandment of the INPFL and his exile to Nigeria in 1992, Johnson underwent a dramatic transformation.
As a prelate, he is also the founder of the Christ Chapel of Faith Ministries and would love to sing while using God’s pulpit to sprew political history and threats on those who criticize him politically or anyone he supports.
He was also the owner of the PYJ Polytechnic University in Nimba as well as the Prince.Y. Johnson Educational Foundation, a Senior High in Monrovial where jobs were provided to Liberians along with quality education.
Nimbaians gather at PYJ Polytechnic University following news of his passing.
His career received fervent support amidst intense criticism, reflecting the complex legacy he has left behind.
PYJ was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for alleged corruption, including the pay-for-play strategy, and later had to be relieved from the Senate Committee on Security due to dissatisfaction over his actions and serving on such a strategic post.
Prior to his demise, Johnson, who represented Nimba County in the Liberian Senate since 2006, was also over the weekend, honored by his kinsmen including Vice President, Jeremiah Koung for his tremendous contributions to Nimba and the country at large.
PYJ served as Chairperson on the Senate’s committee for years and represented Liberia at the ECOWAS Parliament forming part of LIberia’s lawmakers through appointment from the Liberian Senate.
Meanwhile, there have been mixed reactions since the news of his shocking death greeted citizens early yesterday morning but many believe that the death of the ‘doyen’ of the Liberian Senate, marks the end of a complex and polarizing legacy that spanned decades of war, peace, religion and politics in Liberia.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across the nation, with many acknowledging his impact on Liberia’s political landscape. Leaders from various sectors are expressing their condolences, highlighting his contributions to the peace process and his efforts in rebuilding the country post-conflict.
While at the Hope for Women Medical Clinic, several past and current government officials, including several Nimba County Senators and VP Koung were all seen in tears, mourning the passing of their hero and flag bearer.
As the nation mourns, discussions are expected to arise regarding the future of Nimba County’s representation and the implications of his passing on the political climate in the country.
