River Gee County Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh II has called for a full-scale legislative investigation into the recent dismissal of Dr. Dougbeh Christopher Nyan, former Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), describing the Executive’s action as a potential violation of the NPHIL Act of 2016.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Capitol Building in Monrovia, Senator Dopoh said his concern stems from a review of legal documents, the dismissal letter issued by the Executive, and a comprehensive response from Dr. Nyan that included “documentary evidence.” The Senator argued that the dismissal raised serious issues about governance, the rule of law, and respect for institutional autonomy.
“This request was not made lightly,” Dopoh stated. “It was based on a careful review of the NPHIL Act of 2016, the official dismissal letter, and supporting evidence. The issues go beyond any one individual—they speak to how we govern and uphold our laws.”
According to the River Gee lawmaker, he had earlier submitted a formal communication to the Liberian Senate on October 20, 2025, requesting an investigation into the legality of Dr. Nyan’s removal. However, Dopoh expressed disappointment that his communication was abruptly set aside during plenary discussions.
He explained that before the Secretary of the Senate could finish reading his letter, a motion was introduced to refer the matter to the Executive, based on the argument that the President holds the constitutional prerogative to appoint and dismiss officials.
“Let me be clear: I fully respect the constitutional powers of the Executive,” he emphasized. “However, no branch of government—no matter how well-intentioned—should act outside the bounds of the law.”
Dopoh maintained that the NPHIL Act clearly defines the tenure and procedures for removing the Director General, adding that the Executive’s dismissal letter cited sections of the law that “do not even exist.” He argued that this alone should compel the Senate to probe the matter.
The Senator further disclosed that allegations had surfaced suggesting Dr. Nyan was in the process of investigating internal irregularities, including the alleged illegal sale of government vehicles and resource mismanagement within the institution.
“If this is true, then we must ask: was his removal an act of accountability—or retaliation?” Dopoh questioned.
He criticized what he termed as the “casual and premature” manner in which his communication was dismissed on the Senate floor, noting that such actions undermine legislative oversight and public confidence.
“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,” he said. “That is not the kind of Senate the Liberian people elected us to be part of.”
While reaffirming his support for the Boakai administration, Dopoh stressed that genuine reform must be grounded in legality and transparency.
“My position is not anti-government,” he clarified. “Real reform cannot happen if we do not do the right things in the right way. It begins with consistency, transparency, and respect for the laws we ourselves have passed.”
The Senator called on the Senate Committees on Health and Judiciary to revisit the matter, in keeping with their oversight responsibilities, and urged civil society organizations, the media, and development partners to stay engaged.
“I do not seek confrontation, but clarity. Not obstruction, but accountability. Not resistance, but reform,” he concluded. “Let us lead by example.”
Dr. Dougbeh Christopher Nyan, a renowned Liberian scientist, was appointed Director General of NPHIL earlier this year before his controversial dismissal sparked debates about governance, institutional independence, and accountability within Liberia’s public health sector.
