By: Ben TC Brooks| River Gee County Correspondent
Monrovia, Liberia – Sunday, June 1, 2025 – Over the weekend, Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Koung, accompanied by the Grand Gedeh Legislative Caucus, visited the residence of the late former First Lady Nancy B. Doe in Monrovia.
Minutes following his arrival, he made an emotional appeal for unity and reconciliation among members of the Doe family and Grand Gedeh County leaders, amid a simmering dispute between Senator Zoe Emmanuel Pennue and Mamie Doe, daughter of slain President Samuel K. Doe.
Koung lamented Senator Pennue’s absence from the gathering, stating that the senator should have been present to receive guests. He disclosed that after separate phone conversations with both Pennue and Mamie Doe, he learned of unresolved issues that have caused a rift between them.
“I spoke with Mamie this morning, she’s upset,” Koung said. “I tried to alleviate her frustration, believing this could be resolved over the phone, but she said that the situation is more complex than I realized. However, I believe that nothing is beyond resolution.”
He continued, “Today, Zoe should have been here receiving everybody. But because of issues, he’s not here. This is the time for family to unite,” he said. “Normally, when someone dies, you put all confusion aside.”
The Vice President emphasized that death should prompt families and communities to unite rather than remain divided.
However, Members of the Grand Gedeh Legislative Caucus, including Chairman Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, Rep. Jeremiah Sokan, Rep. Marie G. Johnson, and Rep. Jacob Debee, were present and contributed $1,000 towards funeral expenses as Vice President Koung therefore added a personal donation of US$2,000 to the collective contributions; placed on the traditional condolence mat.
Reflecting on the long-standing and complex relationship between Nimba and Grand Gedeh, Koung stated, “Only those who see themselves as family engage in conflicts. However, death is a moment for unity.”
He also announced that Nimba County’s two current senators, though attending a convention abroad, have expressed their commitment to participate in the funeral proceedings upon their return.
“We are one people,” Koung stressed. “Let us take this opportunity to repair what is broken. We must show Liberia that Grand Gedeh stands united in honoring one of its most distinguished daughters.”
Former First Lady Nancy B. Doe, widow of the late President Samuel K. Doe, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2025, after a prolonged illness.
She served as First Lady from 1980 to 1990 during her husband’s presidency, having come to power through a military coup.
Throughout her time in office, she was recognized for her charitable contributions and advocacy for the welfare of women and children in Liberia.
Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief… Journalist Ezekiel Geeplay contributed to this report.
