Liberia: “We Will Support the Devil We Dressed”

Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson has expressed his disappointment in President Joseph Boakai for not nominating more Nimbians in his government. The Senator heads the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) party, one of the political parties that joined an alliance with the Unity Party to defeat incumbent presidential candidate and former football star George Weah in the 2023 presidential elections, garnering significant votes from Nimba County.

Despite the disappointment, Senator Johnson remains optimistic about the strength of the MDR party. He stated, “We are not discouraged, MDR is strong. Fly was living before dog’s ear cut.” 

He emphasized that regardless of whether more Nimbians are appointed or not, they have resolved “to support the devil they dressed”. During an address at his church, the Christ Chapel of Faith Ministries, Johnson reminisced about the 2023 elections and how Nimba County played a crucial role in electing Boakai.

“When the birthplace of our father (Boakai) Lofa County couldn’t deliver, when Grand Bassa County could not deliver, when Bomi, a small county, could not deliver, Nimba stood; our goal was to make Boakai, a 79yrs old man, President of Liberia,” Senator Johnson, who is also a minister of the Gospel, added.

Though Johnson expressed disappointment over the early appointments and performance of the Boakai administration, he remains committed to supporting the government and hopes for a brighter future under President Boakai’s leadership.

According to him, whether more Nimbians are appointed or not, they are “resolved to support the devil they dressed.” 

He highlighted his county’s determination to make the 79-year-old Boakai President of Liberia, especially when other counties could not deliver the expected votes. Johnson urged his fellow Nimbians to maintain hope and trust in Boakai, whom he claimed was a deacon of the Baptist Church and would deliver on his promises.

“So, whatever is happening, they are happy. The apostle Paul said to give thanks to God in everything. Whoever is doing whatever they are doing, we support. The success story of making Old Man Boakai President of the Republic of Liberia will be recalled in history."

However, Senator Johnson cautioned President Boakai to remember his campaign promises and the consequences of failed commitments, citing Ecclesiastes 5:5-50, which says: “Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.” He emphasized accountability, stating, “Everyone will account for their actions before God.”

Despite voicing concerns about the early performance of the Boakai administration and the presence of stormy characters, Senator Johnson expressed his confidence in Boakai’s ability to make the right decisions.

He acknowledged the challenges ahead but urged people to manage their expectations during the six-year presidential term.