Political dynamics in Nimba shifting

Nimba County Representative Samuel Kogar gets the blessing of the widow of fallen Senator Prince Y. Johnson to replace her husband in the senate.

By Stephen G Fellajuah 

Nimba, Liberia, February 5, 2025 – The dynamics of politics in Nimba County are shifting with news of the widow of late Senator Prince Y. Johnson endorsing Representative Samuel Kogar to replace her fallen husband in the senate.

Keen observers say this signals a significant move in the local political landscape. 

Mrs. Amira Boyidee Johnson, widow of the late PYJ, was recently hinted to contest in the pending Senatorial by-election in Nimba to complete her husband’s remaining years in office and continue his political legacy.

It was also disclosed by two times defeated Presidential candidate and political leader of Vision for Liberia Transformation Party (VOLTP), Dr. Jeremiah Z. Whapoe, who urged the people of Nimba to rally behind the late senator’s widow to replace her husband.

Mrs. Johnson is carefully navigating this situation. While she distances herself from reports of directly running for the Senate seat, her endorsement of Representative Samuel Kogar suggests she still wants to play a key role in determining her husband’s political legacy. Her statement on the tradition of Nimba County and family consultations underscores a sense of respect for local customs and a collaborative approach to decision-making.

Additionally, her decision to back Kogar rather than seek the seat herself could signal a desire to maintain unity and avoid dividing the electorate in what could already be a contentious race. It also positions Kogar as a candidate with strong ties to the Johnson family and potentially Nimba’s political establishment, which could give him a significant advantage in garnering support.

“Report [came] that the wife of the late Senator was contesting to fill the vacancy created by her husband’s death at the Senate, but Mrs. Johnson has distanced herself from the report. Based on the tradition of Nimba County and consultation with family members, she endorsed Rep. Samuel Kogar to fill the position”. State Broadcaster -ELBC said here Tuesday, February 4.

The upcoming senatorial by-election is certainly a pivotal moment for Nimba County. It’s not just about filling a vacancy left by the late Senator but also about how the county, as a whole, will navigate this transition and maintain political stability. The by-election seems to be a “test of time.”

This is especially crucial, given the legacy left by Senator Johnson, who was a significant force in the country’s politics. If the county can come together to make a decision that respects both the past and its future, it could set a precedent for future leadership transitions. However, if the process becomes fragmented or divisive, it could have lasting consequences for local political unity.

Mrs. Johnson’s endorsement of Representative Samuel Kogar aligns closely with the recent decision made by Elders of Nimba County, which adds a layer of traditional legitimacy to Kogar’s candidacy. By supporting the elders’ decision to pass the “traditional gavel” (a key symbol of leadership and authority in the county) to Kogar, Mrs. Johnson is signaling respect for local customs and acknowledging the importance of community consensus.

This move could foster a sense of unity among the people of Nimba, especially if they see this as a decision made through tradition and collective wisdom rather than political maneuvering. It also positions Kogar as the candidate chosen by the family and the influential traditional leaders, which might resonate with voters who value continuity and respect for cultural practices.

However, this traditional endorsement also places a lot of weight on Kogar’s ability to live up to the expectations of both the political and traditional leadership. 

Being Chairman of the House Majority Bloc also gives him substantial political influence, which, when combined with his traditional certification, positions him as the dominant force in the region. Kogar’s ability to balance both modern political power and respect for tradition places him in a very advantageous position to claim the seat.

Moreover, Rep. Kogar’s decision to resign from the People’s Unification Party (PUP) and join the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson’s political party, the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), marks a major shift in his political alignment. This move ties him directly to the legacy of Senator Johnson, strengthening his claim as the political heir and ensuring continuity in the region’s leadership. 

The fact that Mrs. Johnson is expected to endorse him at a MDR ceremony officially adds even more weight to his candidacy, signaling that the Johnson family is fully backing him to carry on their political influence.

The ceremony, scheduled to take place at the party headquarters today, Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in Congo Town, will be a crucial political and symbolic moment. If all goes according to plan, this endorsement could further solidify Kogar’s status as the next political leader of Nimba County. Editing by Jonathan Browne