Africa-Press – Liberia. The plenary of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature during its 12th day sitting honored the memory of the late former Rep. Johnson Gwaikolo.
Former Rep. Gwaikolo passed away on Monday at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital in Monrovia. He served in the 54th Legislature, first as Chairman of the Committee on Education and later Chair of the Rules, Order and Administration Committee.
During Tuesday’s sitting, members of the House of Representatives, some of whom served alongside him in the 54th Legislature at some point paused their deliberations, and stood in a moment of silence in honor of their fallen former colleagues.
Rep. Gwaikolo was renowned as both a seasoned politician and an educator. He served as the Representative of Nimba District #9 for six years in the 54th Legislature, during which he chaired the Committee on Education and later assumed the role of Chair on the House Committee on Rules Order and Administration. Although he pursued reelection in 2023, he was unsuccessful, losing to current Representative Taa Wongbe. His tenure in the 54th Legislature marked his second stint in the legislative body, following his service in the National Legislative Assembly during the civil war.
Outside of the Legislature, the late Gwaikolo served as Deputy Minister of Public Works during the administration of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and as President of the United Methodist University (UMU).
Since his sudden demise, tributes have been pouring in from current and former government officials.
Former President George Weah, writing on his Facebook page said the late Gwaikolo was a towering figure in the politic of Nimba and the nation at large and he was deeply saddened over his passing.
“The late Johnson Gwaikolo was not just a staunch supporter of my administration, he was also a dear friend and blood relative. The deceased and I shared a very cordial working relationship, especially during the just ended elections,” the President said.
Writing further, he said: “Former Representative Gwaikolo was a towering figure in the politics of Nimba and the nation at large, having served the 54th National Legislature and the National Transitional Legislative Assembly during the country’s civil war. He was also a veteran educator.
I share in the grief of the Gbi & Doru family, while imploring the district and his immediate family to take solace in the Lord. I wish to equally convey my deepest sympathy to Nimba County and all those impacted this irreparable loss.”
He would have enabled him to complete the notes.
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