-Urges his kinsmen not to be part of this arrangement
By James Myking Suah Contributor, New Public Trust
GANTA, Liberia- Until recently, former Liberian warlord now Senator Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County was depending on the reluctance of President George Manneh Weah about setting up a war crimes court to shield himself from eventually facing such a court.
But amidst strong domestic and international pressure being faced, President Weah now appears to be reluctantly given in by submitting a document to the national Legislature for their advice on the establishment of a war and economic crimes court. This might likely lead to his staunch supporter being called to book, as former rebel General PYJ led the breakaway Independent National Patriotic Front (INPFL) in capturing and slaughtering former President Samuel K. Doe and many others during the 1990 brutal civil war.
Sen. Johnson and others have been named in the TRC report of 2010 as being those bearing the greatest responsibilities for the 14 years of carnage in Liberia that led to the killing of some 250,000 people.
From time to time, especially during electoral seasons, former Gen. Johnson uses his image standing on one of the abandoned war-time amour vehicle to symbolize how he stood in defense of the lives of his kinsmen during the war years.
Now, Senator Johnson has reacted to President Weah’s recent move to write Lawmakers about the setting up of a war and economic crimes Court in the country, urging his Namba kinsmen to avoid being part of those calling for the establishment of the court.
Speaking on the local community radio in Nimba a few days ago, he justified his role in the armed conflict and the assassination of the former Liberian leader, because he claimed that Doe and his forces committed atrocities in Nimba County and against people from that area who he had to defend.
Speaking on Radio Kerghamahn in the commercial city of Ganta on Thursday, September 19, 2019, the former Liberian warlord, who now claims to be a Christian evangelist, cautioned his kinsmen to distance themselves from the establishment of a war crimes court.
According to him, the numerous calls from several citizens across the country and abroad are intended to sabotage the current CDC government’s plans for Liberia.
Some citizens, who contributed on the early morning show on Radio Kerghamahn, welcomed President Weah’s proposal to the national Legislature to seek their advice on the establishment of the war and economic crimes court, although Weah had earlier said such a court was not a priority for the overall development of the country.
The former INPFL rebel leader maintained that he has no fear for the establishment of a war crimes court, if the TRC recommendations are implemented him will serve as one of state witness.
Locals in Nimba County say the statement made by Sen. Johnson is intimidating and therefore violate their rights to comment on critical national issues.
Some people of Nimba have also welcomed the latest move President Weah which would help to end impunity brought about since the 14 years of civil war.
Citizens in favor of the establishment of the war crimes court also said former warlords will be accountable for past human rights abuses and crimes against human committed, adding that it is essential for positive achievement, sustainable peace and development.
President Weah latest communication to the Legislature followed a consensus agreement reached by participants at the recently-ended National Economic Dialogue held at the newly dedicated ministerial complex funded by the Chinese government in the Monrovia suburb of Congo Town.
Meanwhile, one of Sen. Prince Johnson’s strongest political rival, Nimba County District #8 Representative Larry P. Younquoi has welcomed the establishment of the War and economic Crimes court in Liberia, as he has maintained that PYJ’s hands are ‘stained with blood’.
For Rep. Younquoi, President t Weah’s communication to the Legislature is timely and in the right direction, in order to serve justice to victims of the 14 years of carnage.
Some of PYJ’s critics in Nimba County say his popularity is steadily waning.