GANTA, Nimba – Senator Prince Yormie Johnson of Nimba County has responded to reports that he invited the Central Bank of Liberia Governor J. Mills Jones to Nimba to discuss a future merger for the upcoming 2017 elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Ganta last weekend, Johnson said it was unfortunate that the state radio ELBC misinformed Liberians about the true nature of the governor’s visit.

He said the purpose of the press conference was “to let the people of Ganta and Nimba know through your media that the true purpose of Governor Jones’ visit is non-political but economical.”

Johnson stressed that the CBL governor’s visit to Nimba had been misunderstood, miscalculated and misrepresented to the people of Liberia.

“They are transmitting whatever they think to the people of this county through the state radio,” he added.

Johnson informed the press that the governor’s visit to Nimba was based on the economic empowerment initiatives he had implemented a few years ago. The senator mentioned the establishment of the Rural Community Banks in Karnplay and Sanniquellie as examples of such initiatives.

“To be clear, Governor Jones and I came to be a part of the dedication ceremony, and not to come to discuss political issues,”  Johnson added.

Johnson has proven to be one of the most formidable candidates in Liberia’s presidential elections. He placed third in the 2011 elections with 11.6% of the vote, with his support for President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf being key in her second round victory.

Featured photo by Ken Harper