Prince Johnson’s Apology

By C. Alake Williams



The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia

April 9, 2004

He came back to Liberia as he said, “to run for senator of Nimba County” in the up coming elections. He arrived without much fanfare, and without the “notice” of many-a-Liberian people. But his no-news days would be short live because he is “Prince Johnson. Within 72 hours of his arrival in Liberia he said that a relative of former leader Samuel Doe wanted to assassinate him. News! Prince Johnson is back. Man of God, Pastor Johnson is back in Liberia starting something.

How predictable was it that Prince Johnson’s return would be another confusion for the already confused state of affairs in Liberia? How predictable was it that Pastor Johnson was an ambitious man – a “smart man” known for his military skills, who has intentions. Intentions to do what? His intention is to run for Senator of Nimba County in 2005. This is a free country, and Prince Johnson is a free man, a free citizen. He is free to apologize to the Liberian people and also free to ask for forgiveness from us.

What did he do to apologize to us? He helped in leading the Taylor incursion into Liberia. He split from Taylor and ruled his own territory. He was the law in Caldwell. He captured and let Doe “commit suicide” (according to him) while under his detention. He allegedly rejoined with Taylor in “Operation Octopus”. He allegedly executed musician Tecumseh Roberts. What did he do to apologize to Liberia?

Prince Johnson owes Liberia one thing. He owes us an apology, and he owes it to us to stay away from politics and stick with religion. But he is free to do as he pleases, like re--igniting the Gedeh-Nimba confrontation; like becoming leader of “Partial-Liberia”; like getting religion/vision, and telling his followers that god has chosen him to lead us. Chances are, he will apologize to Liberia. For what?

Welcome to Liberia Pastor Johnson. We have not learned our lesson, and your arrival is a blessing…in disguise. They say, “Where there is smoke, there is fire.” We apologize for not beating drums upon your arrival in Liberia. You say the Chairman, “your friend” as claimed, invited you. We apologize for you. If or when you become senator, remember your other friends who did not say anything too bad about you. Nobody wants to start digging up old wounds. Since we all inside, let bygone be bygone.