Copyright thenewdawnliberia
Senator Francis S. Dopoh of River Gee County is challenging the recent dismissal of the Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Doc. Dougbeh Christopher Nyan, by President Boakai. By Lincoln G. Peters Monrovia, Liberia; October 27, 2025 - River Gee County Senator, Francis S. Dopoh has excused President Joseph Boakai of breaching government’s tenure contract and the Constitution, regarding dismissal of the Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Dr. Dougbeh Christopher Nyan, while expressing disappointment over the quickly and casually dismissal of his (Senator Dopoh’s) communication for discussion on the Senate floor, by the President of Senate, Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung and some senators. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at his office, Senator Dopoh reflected that on October 20, 2025, he submitted a formal communication to the Honorable Liberian Senate, respectfully requesting an investigation into the recent dismissal of Dr. Nyan, the former Director General of NPHIL. According to him, this request was not made lightly; it was based on a careful review of the NPHIL Act of 2016, the official dismissal letter from the Executive, and a detailed response from Dr. Nyan himself, which included documentary evidence. He further indicated that the issues raised therein go beyond any one individual, as they speak to how the country is governed, uphold Liberia's laws, and ensure that public institutions are managed with transparency and professionalism. The River Gee County Senator stated that unfortunately, and to his disappointment, his communication was not given full consideration it deserved on the Senate floor, reflecting that before the Secretary of the Senate could even complete reading the letter, a motion was introduced and supported by some of his colleagues, and endorsed by the Presiding Officer, Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung, to refer the matter to the Executive, with the argument that the President has the sole prerogative to appoint and dismiss. ‘’Let me be clear: I fully respect the constitutional powers of the Executive. However, I also believe that no branch of government, no matter how well-intentioned, should act outside the law. The NPHIL Act clearly provides for tenure and outlines the process by which the Director General may be removed. The dismissal letter cited sections of the Act—some of which, upon review, do not even exist. That alone should raise serious questions.’ Senator Dopoh argued. Furthermore, he contended that the allegations have been made that the former Director General attempted to address internal issues, including alleged illegal sale of government vehicles and mismanagement of resources, adding that if this is true, then they must ask, was his removal an act of accountability or retaliation? “What I find particularly troubling is not only the substance of this case, but how quickly and casually it was dismissed from discussion on the Senate floor. This was not only premature—it sent the wrong message to the Liberian people: that some matters are too sensitive to be debated openly, or that some offices are above legislative scrutiny. I do not believe that is the kind of Senate the Liberian people elected us to be part of.’’ He stated. Senator Dopoh continued that he wants to make it clear today that his position is not anti-government, as it is far from it. Still, he strongly supports the agenda of this administration, particularly its focus on pragmatism, forward-looking thinking, and reform. But he contended that real reform cannot happen unless they do the right things in the right way, adding that it begins with consistency, transparency, and respect for the laws they themselves have passed. “My appeal today is simple: let us not reduce our oversight responsibilities to partisan convenience or personal preference. Let us remember that the institutions we build today will outlive us—and the decisions we make now will set a precedent for future generations. I am calling on the relevant Senate committees—particularly the Committees on Health and Judiciary—to revisit this matter in line with their mandates and in service to the Liberian people. I also encourage civil society, the media, and our development partners to remain engaged, as the strength of our democracy lies in how we respond to such critical issues. To those who may have misunderstood my intentions, I say this: I do not seek confrontation, but clarity. Not obstruction, but accountability. Not resistance, but reform’ he explained. Editing by Jonathan Browne
