Where Is PYJ heading?

As the race to the 2017 Presidential and Legislative Elections gradually draws closer, there may be ‘twists and turns’ in the behaviors of many Liberian politicians in a bid for better and winnable teams.

Speculations continue to bring to public glare talks of mergers and coalitions either between ‘Weah and Brumskine; as well as Boakai and Prince Y. Johnson, among others’- one of which has already been denied by George Weah’s Congress for Democratic Change Chairman Nathaniel McGill.

Senator Johnson had earlier anticipated forming a merger with the CDC for the 2017 elections, suggesting that God had revealed to him, through a vision, that an alliance between him and Senator Weah would take them into the Executive Mansion on Capitol Hill, Monrovia.

He told a NewDawn’s exclusive interview on Monday, 16 March 2017 via mobile phone in Monrovia that anything contrary to a Waeh-PYJ ticket would see the Americo-Liberians maintaining grip on political power with more hardship and poverty.

Senator Johnson disclosed that he had held series of discussions with Weah in this regard, but didn’t say what the response of the CDC political leader.

However, the Nimba County strongman may now a change of mind – still considering the indigenous factor of his political dream, with his eyes now set on incumbent Vice President Joseph N. Boakai as his best option.

Information available to this paper suggest that Vice President Boakai and Senator Johnson were continuously holding serious discussions for a possible merger ahead of the 2017 Presidential and Legislative Elections.

The ‘VP’, who proposed the merger talks to PYJ, is reportedly expected to be the chief sponsor of the ‘Boakai-PYJ 2017 Ticket’, while the latter- to some extent, has agreed in principle to be the former’s running mate- an unimpeachable source told this paper.

The well placed source within the Capitol Building indicated that there is a high possibility for the success of the on-going talks, and should the result be fruitful such team may be a very formidable force to attract huge votes from Lofa and Nimba Counties – and probably Bong and Margibi may also follow suit.

“This merger process started since 2013; the vice president is very confident that Sen. Johnson’s coming on board is a big boost to his bid. Their negotiations are far gone – they both believe that Lofa and Nimba Counties, with supports from the rest of the country, victory is assured. We are praying that this merger works because it will take many by surprise,” the source said.

The Vice President is also reported to be in discussions with Grand Cape Mount County Senator Varney Sherman – the National Chairman of the ruling Unity Party for his support, but he’s yet to be clear of his support to the vice president.

Boakai- President of the Liberian Senate, is continuously holding similar support talks with senators, but some may be considering the interests of their respective political parties and alliances- putting him (Boakai) in the position to primarily focus on senators and representatives of the ruling Unity Party, as well as independent Legislators and those of his home county, Lofa.

The report also suggests that Sen. Johnson is forming a new political party- the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction or MDR, with Dr. Arthur Kanuah as organizing Chairman and Mr. Wilfred Bangura as official spokesman.

The MRD, accordingly, is nearing its registration process with the National Elections Commission for possible certification. When contacted via mobile phone last Sunday night about the information, the Nimba County Senator confirmed the information regarding the establishment of a political party.

Commenting on the merger talks with Vice President Boakai, Johnson said there were series of discussions on-going with political leaders, political parties and opinion leaders for a smooth and peaceful electoral process.

“Establishing a party- that’s true, but with the merger, we are holding discussions with political leaders, political parties and opinion leaders because- my son, this coming election is so delicate that it needs serious consultations with the rightful people,” Sen. Johnson noted, pointing out that he’s also holding discussions with lawmakers from his county, especially those with like-minds to work together for the betterment of the country. – By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor