Former Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), Dr. Dougbeh Christopher Nyan, has taken his case to the Supreme Court of Liberia, challenging what he describes as an ‘unlawful’ and unconstitutional dismissal by the Executive Branch of Government. Dr. Nyan, a renowned medical scientist and public health expert, contends that his removal from office contravened due process and violated existing tenure laws governing the leadership of autonomous public institutions. The NPHIL Act of 2016 provides that the Director General shall serve a fixed term, removable only for cause, subject to the procedures outlined by law.
According to legal filings, Dr. Nyan maintains that no such procedure was followed prior to his dismissal, asserting that the Executive Branch acted beyond its constitutional authority. He argues that the decision undermines the principles of institutional independence and weakens governance structures established to safeguard public health integrity and transparency. In response to his petition, the Supreme Court of Liberia, through the Justice in Chambers, has summoned representatives of the Executive Branch to appear for a hearing today, Thursday, to address the legality surrounding Dr. Nyan’s removal.
The Court’s intervention signals growing judicial scrutiny over the enforcement of tenure laws and the broader implications for good governance and accountability in Liberia’s public sector. Observers note that the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for the protection of tenure positions across government institutions, reinforcing the rule of law and the separation of powers. Dr. Nyan, an internationally recognized biomedical scientist known for his contributions to infectious disease diagnostics, reiterated his confidence in the judiciary to uphold constitutional order and fairness. “I have full faith in the rule of law and the independence of our courts,” Dr. Nyan stated. “This case is not just about me it’s about protecting institutional integrity and ensuring that due process is respected in public service.”
