“We’re Obligated To Protect Country Not Individual” -Fmr. Deputy EPS Boss Rebukes Sam Gaye

By Bill W. Cooper
Former Deputy Executive Protection Service (EPS) Director for Operations, Charles Kaizer has issued a stern warning to the current EPS leadership over the handling of former government’s officials in the country.
“It’s key that Mr. Gaye remembers that our duty is to the state. While it is true that we provide protection to individuals, our ultimate goal is to ensure the stability and security of Liberia as a whole,” he said.
The former Deputy Director also emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced approach when dealing with former officials on issues of national concerns, stating, “We are under oath to protect the state and not an individual.”
Kaizer, who served during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, caution comes in the wake of a controversial statement issued by the current EPS Director, Sam Gaye, who threatened to withdraw protection from former VIP officials deemed to be inciting chaos.
The statement, issued recently and starred serious debate over the government’s motive was particularly in light of recent remarks by former Vice President Jewel Taylor, during a meeting held by some opposition political parties regarding the ruling of the Supreme Court.
It can be recalled that former VP Howard-Taylor, addressing a press conference organized by opposition parties, publicly threatened to mobilize her supporters against the current government if President Joseph Boakai failed to honor or implement the Court’s ruling into the House of Representatives leadership crisis.
During the event, Taylor warned President Joseph Boakai to “respect the rule of law” following the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming Fonati Koffa as the legitimate Speaker of the House of Representatives.
She allegedly hinted that failure to adhere to the court’s decision could lead to unrest, and cautioned, “It has reached a point where this country might become chaotic if President Boakai doesn’t respect the Supreme Court ruling.”
However, the EPS Director, in a statement issued warned, “A protectee who actively engages in or incites violence or rebellion against the Government forfeits the privilege of EPS protection, because such conduct directly contradicts the EPS’ constitutional and operational responsibilities.”
Gaye added that the EPS remains committed to “professional, impartial, and robust protection,” but made clear that protection will not be extended to those viewed as threatening Liberia’s peace and security.
The Executive Protection Service is tasked with ensuring the safety of high-profile individuals, including former presidents, vice presidents, and other dignitaries, deemed necessary by the government.
The agency further operates under the premise that its primary responsibility is to protect the state and its institutions, as this principle is particularly crucial in a country like Liberia, which has a tumultuous political history marked by civil conflict and instability.
Appearing on the OK Conversation over the weekend, the former Deputy Director’s narrated that his comments further highlight the inherent challenges faced by the EPS in navigating the complex political landscape of the country.
According to him, the letter as issued by the current EPS was not timely and could further cause chaos amid the high political tension that has already engulfed the country.
He noted, “In a fragile democracy like Liberia, the perception of bias or political maneuvering by security forces can have dire consequences, as such, it is essential for the EPS to maintain its neutrality and uphold its mandate without succumbing to political pressures.”
Kaizer also emphasized the need for open communication between the government and former officials to address grievances and prevent further escalation, which could once again plunge the country into another political instability.
“We must engage in constructive dialogues rather than resorting to threats and intimidation, because the future of our nation depends on our ability to work together, regardless of our political affiliations.”
“I also understand the need to protect the state, but we must also consider the safety of our former leaders. We cannot afford to go back to the days of chaos and violence. Dialogue is essential amid our already challenged security sector,” he added.