MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Jefferson Koijee, Secretary General of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), has urgently called for an investigation into the Director of the Executive Protection Service (EPS), Sam Gaye. This call comes in the wake of a tragic motor accident involving President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s convoy on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, which resulted in one fatality and left three others with severe injuries.
The CDC’s demand for an investigation is driven by allegations of negligence and insensitivity on the part of the EPS and its leadership. Koijee asserts that the tragic accident could have been prevented with more effective measures to safeguard the President and the general public. He criticized the Executive Protection Agency for what he describes as a failure in its duty to protect both the President and innocent citizens.
In response to the accident, Koijee has urged Liberians to refrain from participating in Independence Day celebrations on July 26th. He described the day as a period of mourning rather than festivity, emphasizing that the tragic loss of life makes it inappropriate to celebrate. “This 26th is a mourning time for all Liberians,” Koijee stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for national reflection.
The CDC’s call for a thorough investigation into the EPS is part of a broader critique of the current government’s handling of security and protection matters. The party’s leadership is advocating for accountability and transparency to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Additionally, Koijee expressed the CDC’s support for recent calls by the Liberia National Police to question former government officials in connection with the death of former Auditor General Barten Nyanswah. The party’s stance highlights its commitment to addressing unresolved issues from past administrations and ensuring justice is served.
As Liberia grapples with these developments, the CDC’s actions reflect heightened political tensions and concerns about governance and security. The call for an investigation and the request for a national day of mourning underscore the party’s dissatisfaction with current leadership and its emphasis on accountability.
The tragic accident has cast a shadow over the nation’s Independence Day celebrations, prompting a period of reflection and scrutiny over the role and effectiveness of security agencies in Liberia. The outcome of the proposed investigation into the EPS and the broader implications for national security and political dynamics will be closely watched in the coming days.