-Or Reinstate Former Comptroller in Wrongful Dismissal Case
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Labour has ruled in favor of former National Port Authority (NPA) Comptroller Gabriel S. Bull, declaring his dismissal wrongful and ordering his immediate reinstatement with full benefits or, alternatively, a compensation package totaling $280,945.60 USD. This decision comes after a lengthy legal battle over allegations of financial misconduct and procedural violations in Bull’s abrupt termination.
“After a careful observation of the witnesses’ testimonies, evidence adduced during trial, the
facts and surrounding circumstances, we hold the conviction that the Complainant is being wrongfully discharged from the employ of the National Port Authority. It is therefore our holding and conviction that Defendant/National Port Authority (NPA) reinstates Complainant and pay him all of his entitlements and benefits as if he was not dismissed or in lieu of
reinstatement, he be paid twenty-four (24) months of his salary, arrears in gasoline from December 2020 to March 2024, scratch cards arrears from March 2021 to March 2024, and rice arrears from April 2023 to March 2024,” the Ministry orders.
It continues: “That is to say, in accordance with the below tabulations: 1. 24 months’ salary (6,500 X 24)…. USS156,000.00, 2. Gasoline arrear (13,620) gallons… 59,655.60, 3. Scratch cards arrear s (12,820) pieces… 64,100.0, 4. Rice arrear (70) 25 Kg bags .. 1.190.00
US$280,945.60 (Two Hundred Eighty Thousand Nine Hundred Forty Five United States Dollars and Sixty
Cents).”
The case originated on March 10, 2024, when Bull—after 19 years of unbroken service—was dismissed via a WhatsApp message from the Deputy Comptroller, later followed by an official termination letter citing “financial improprieties and administrative reasons.” Bull, represented by the Consortium of Legal Practitioners through attorneys Arthur T. Johnson and Edwin G. Barquoi, challenged the dismissal, arguing that it violated NPA’s employee handbook and due process protections. He formally filed a complaint with the Ministry of Labour on March 18, 2024.
During the proceedings, Bull testified that he was terminated without any prior investigation or audit, contrary to NPA policies that require board approval for the dismissal of a comptroller. He further alleged that his termination was a deliberate attempt to deprive him of accrued benefits, including $59,655.60 in unpaid gasoline allowances, $64,100 for scratch cards, and $1,190 for rice supplies. Bull denied any wrongdoing, stating that controversial payments—such as the $59,700 disbursement to the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC)—were made under the direct instruction of the Managing Director.
The NPA, represented by its in-house legal team in association with Henries Law Firm, countered by accusing Bull of multiple financial violations. These included an unauthorized $59,700 payment to the CDC, which was not included in the NPA’s 2023 budget, as well as a $350,000 transfer to Norfolk Marina without board approval or proper procurement compliance. The defense also alleged that Bull authorized a $447,800 payment to Delta Construction with a forged signature and approved a $50,000 transaction with Bashir Business Center for goods that were never delivered.
However, under cross-examination, the NPA’s own witness, Internal Audit Director Morris Kamara, admitted that management frequently overrode audit queries, undermining claims that Bull acted unilaterally. Another defense witness, the Deputy Comptroller, confirmed that payments exceeding $10,000 required contracts, yet no such documentation existed for the disputed transactions.
After reviewing testimonies and evidence, the Ministry of Labour found no proof that Bull was properly investigated before his dismissal, violating both the Decent Work Act of 2015 and Liberia’s Supreme Court precedents, which mandate fair hearings in employment disputes. The ruling, delivered by Director Bolkal A. Sheriff, emphasized that the NPA failed to follow its own handbook, which stipulates board involvement in comptroller dismissals.
The final judgment orders the NPA to either reinstate Bull with full back pay and benefits or compensate him with $280,945.60, covering 24 months of salary ($156,000), unpaid gasoline allowances ($59,655.60), scratch card arrears ($64,100), and rice supplies ($1,190).
