The Director of the Executive Protection Service (EPS), Mr. Sam Gaye, has threatened to withdraw from any VIP protectee who publicly advocates for “insurrection, rebellion, or violent protest against the Government of Liberia.”
Gaye, further said in his release that the attention of the EPS has been drawn to recent public statements made by certain officials which amount to calls for chaos and violent disruption of public order. According to him, such utterances are deeply concerning and inconsistent with the laws of Liberia.
“As mandated by law, the EPS is responsible for the protection of the President, the Vice President, their immediate families, visiting foreign dignitaries, and other senior officials of government as directed by the President. This mandate is rooted in the duty to ensure the safety and stability of the Liberian state.
“A protectee who actively engages in or incites violence or rebellion against the government forfeits the privilege of EPS protection, as such conduct directly contradicts the EPS’ constitutional and operational responsibilities.”
Gaye assured the public that the EPS remains committed to providing professional, impartial, and robust protection to all its designated protectees. He, however, added, if can’t and won’t be used as an instrument to undermine the peace, security and constitutional order of the public.
Critics of Gaye
As soon as the EPS’ release came public, critics of the government became to bash Gaye for his caution. Some said that his threat of protective withdrawal was a direct message to opposition politicians who are being protected by the EPS officers.
His critics mainly pointed out a recent statement made by the former Vice President, Madam Jewel Howard-Taylor. At a recent meeting of opposition political parties at the Alternative National Congress (ANC) headquarters in Sinkor, the former Vice President chided President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and his officials for allegedly not respecting the Supreme Court. She even insinuated that the Boakai-led Administration was leading the nation through a path of chaos.
Again, another incident that drew Gaye into the public light was the public spite between him and former President George Weah’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Lenn Eugene Nagbe.
Both men’s private exchanges via WhatsApp were released by Nagbe:
Sam Gaye: “Eugene, good morning! I listened to your interview this morning at OK FM. The entire country heard your allegations.
You promised to prove the allegations you made against me.
Please be prepared to prove your allegations. Those are serious allegations. Trust me, you will be hearing from me soon. Sam Gaye”
Eugene Nagbe: “While at the same time I will be waiting for you to prove your irresponsible accusation against former President Weah. You know I have no fear in my bones, so your threats ring hallow. Mathew Chapter 4 Verse 4”
Sam Gaye: “This is not a threat. I will see you in court”.
Eugene Nagbe: “Mathew 4:4 is also not a threat. Please come with the best lawyers to the Supreme Court of Liberia. You are like a high school bully who capitulates when stood up to. I’m standing by, strong, untethered, and ready. FYI, there is a press release also. Read it”
Both men are now said to be in court.
Before this conversation came out, Nagbe had accused the EPS Director of having a picture of the former President on which he has a pistol pointed to his head (former President’s) somewhere inside his home. According to Nagbe, this was disclosed to him and others by a female friend of the Director’s.
Matthew 4:4
There is a distorted quotation of this verse. It is not quoted as is found in the Bible. Here is how some Liberians say it: “Matthew 4:4 – You fuck up, you are fucked!”
