In a moving tribute to the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson (PYJ), Representative Samuel Kogar of Nimba County’s District #4 unveiled a statue honoring the influential leader, pledging to carry forward his legacy as he campaigns to succeed him in the Senate.
The unveiling ceremony, held in Garplay Town, drew crowds of supporters, local leaders, and government officials, including high-profile endorsements from the current administration and Vice President Jeremiah Koung. Kogar, a longtime protégé of the late senator, promised to uphold the values and discipline instilled in him by PYJ, vowing to serve the people of Nimba with the same dedication.
“Senator Prince Johnson was more than a leader; he was a father, a mentor, and a symbol of resilience for our people,” Kogar said during his emotional address. “I stand here today not just to honor his memory but to commit myself to the principles he lived by, unity, development, and unwavering service to Nimba.”
The late Senator Johnson, a controversial yet dominant figure in Liberian politics, transitioned from a wartime leader to a pastor and statesman, wielding significant influence in Nimba County until his passing. His death left a power vacuum, sparking a competitive by-election to determine his successor.
Kogar, one of the leading contenders, has gained momentum with strong grassroots backing. His connection to PYJ was further solidified during the senator’s funeral, where he performed a traditional ritual, jumping over the late leader’s body four times, a cultural practice symbolizing the transfer of leadership and spiritual authority to a chosen successor, typically a relative.
While some critics have questioned the ritual’s significance in modern politics, many in Nimba see it as a legitimate passing of the torch.
As the by-election approaches, Kogar’s campaign focuses on continuing PYJ’s development projects, improving education, and creating jobs for the youth. His opponents, however, argue that Nimba needs fresh leadership unburdened by the past.
For now, the statue stands as a reminder of a towering political figure, and a declaration by Samuel Kogar that the legacy of Prince Johnson will endure. Whether that translates into electoral success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle for Nimba’s future is just beginning.
