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Thousands honour late Liberian warlord, Johnson at his funeral
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Thousands gathered in northern Liberia on Saturday for the funeral of warlord-turned-politician Prince Johnson, a notorious face of the country’s brutal civil wars who died without facing trial.
Back-to-back conflicts devastated the small West African country from 1989 until 2003, claiming around 250,000 lives and resulting in massacres, mutilation, rape, cannibalism and the widespread use of child soldiers.
Johnson became infamous in 1990 after appearing in a video sipping beer and being fanned by a woman as he calmly watched his fighter slowly mutilate and torture President Samuel Doe to death.
The former rebel leader was identified as having the highest number of violations by any individual perpetrator during the gruesome wars, according to a 2009 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.
It said his crimes spanned killing, extortion, massacre, destruction of property, forced recruitment, assault, abduction, torture, forced labour and rape.
Johnson went on to become a highly influential senator, acting as kingmaker in the last three presidential elections before his death in November aged 72.
Saturday’s burial marks the end of a five-day state funeral which saw his body displayed outside parliament in the capital Monrovia before being transported to his home county of Nimba.
Johnson’s supporters and government officials, including President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung, crowded the grounds of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company in Ganta city on Saturday, an AFP journalist saw.
Some of the crowd hailing from Nimba donned traditional attire and daubed their faces with red and white chalk.
– ‘The biggest tree has fallen’ –
Others wrapped their heads and carried sticks in the shape of guns, which they said symbolised Johnson’s warrior-like nature and depicted his role in defending Nimba during the civil war.
“The biggest tree that we all depended on has fallen,” said 65-year-old Charles G. Wondor, a farmer from Nimba.
“We are thinking that we wouldn’t have anyone to replace him because of the way he contributed to the county and to the people, we don’t think we can ever get anyone like him,” he added.
Johnson’s immediate family wore white, while another group of supporters — all dressed in black with red hats — beat drums, clapped, danced and sang.
The burial is due to take place at the nearby PYJ Polytechnic University, an institution founded and named after the late senator.
Despite being among eight warlords the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended be prosecuted for gross human rights violations, Johnson never faced justice as the recommendations were not implemented.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), the country’s benchmark interest rate, at 26.5 percent.
The decision was announced at the end of the 306th meeting of the MPC, held in Abuja on July 20 and 21, 2026.
All 11 members of the committee attended the two-day meeting, where they reviewed recent domestic and global economic developments before deciding to leave the benchmark lending rate unchanged.
The decision means the CBN has maintained its tight monetary policy stance amid efforts to sustain the moderation in inflation, stabilise the foreign exchange market and consolidate recent macroeconomic gains.
Details shortly…
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has approved a new minimum monthly pension of ₦50,000 for retired civil servants in the state.Government
The new payment will begin next month and means no pensioner will receive less than the approved amount.
The governor announced the decision during his appearance on a live entertainment programme, Taba Kidi Taba Karatu, aired by the Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in Yola at the weekend.
Fintiri said it was unfair for some retired workers to survive on monthly pensions below ₦10,000 after spending many years serving the state.
He said the increase was introduced to give retired civil servants better living conditions and allow them to enjoy life after leaving public service.
He explained that his administration has continued to improve the welfare of workers by paying salaries on time, approving promotions, employing qualified workers and improving pension payments.
According to him, the new pension package is another step in fulfilling promises made to the people of Adamawa.
The governor also assured residents that all projects started by his administration would be completed before the end of his tenure.
He listed some of the projects to include the International Conference Hall, a modern shopping complex, the NYSC Orientation Camp, the Mother and Child Hospital, road projects, school facilities and other public investments across the state.
By Gloria Ikibah
Al-Ittihad forward, George Ilenikhena has won praise after presenting a brand new car to renowned cleric, Apostle Okechukwu Etiaka, in appreciation of the spiritual guidance, encouragement and support he received before rising to international football.
The thoughtful gesture was warmly received by members of the church and well-wishers, who described it as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering those who played a role in one’s success.
The presentation was an emotional moment as Apostle Etiaka received the vehicle with gratitude, while family members, church members and supporters celebrated the footballer’s act of generosity and offered prayers for his continued success on and off the pitch.
Beyond the gift itself, Ilenikhena’s action has been widely viewed as an example of humility and gratitude, showing that success is not only measured by achievements on the field but also by the willingness to acknowledge those who helped make the journey possible.
The gesture has also drawn attention to the positive influence athletes can have within society. By recognising a mentor who stood by him before his breakthrough, the young footballer has reinforced the values of appreciation, loyalty and giving back to the community.
For many observers, the moment serves as a reminder that football is more than goals and trophies. It also provides a platform for players to inspire others through acts of kindness, encourage young people to value mentorship, and demonstrate that true success includes lifting others and honouring those who made the journey possible.
See Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 21st July 2026
Breaking: CBN retains interest rate at 26.5%
Good news: State governor increases minimum pension for retirees
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