By Jerromie S. Walters
With curiosity about his security, the House of Representatives committee on National Security has launched an investigation into what that appears as an attack on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, in Margibi County.
During the 7th day sitting of the first session of the first quarter of the 55th Legislature, the House instructed its committee on National Security to probe tge matter and report next Tuesday.
The House decision was prompted by a communication from Montserradi County District #5 Representative Prescilla Abram Cooper, requesting that the Honorable House of Representatives in Session, invites the director of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) Mr. Sam Gaye to appear before plenary to explain circumstances.
“I extend my greetings and wish to draw your attention, that of the Honorable Deputy Speaker and my distinguished
colleagues, to a distressing video that has been circulating on social media. The video captures a concerning incident
in which His Excellency Joseph Nyumah Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia, was attacked by an unidentified individual, despite the presence of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) officers.”
In her opinion, it posed a significant threat to the life of the President on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. “It is important to note that President Boakai was fulfilling his official duties when he was invited by the United
Methodist University to serve as the Guest Speaker at their 19th graduation ceremony on the aforementioned date. The attack occurred during the President’s arrival and welcoming, as an unknown individual, in the presence of EPS officers was captured on camera assaulting him, thereby putting his life in jeopardy.”
Representative Cooper: “In view therefore, and as Representative of District No. 5, Montserrado County and an executive member of the ruling Unity Party, I request that the Honorable House of Representatives in Session, invites the director of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) Mr. Sam Gaye to appear before plenary to explain why H.E Joseph Nyumah Boakai, president of the Republic of Liberia was left vulnerable to be attacked by an unknown individual despite the presence of EPS Officers while performing his National Duty.
Following discussions, the House concluded that the matter be forward to the committee on National Security to report next Tuesday. The decision comes following a motion by Representative Sekou Kanneh.
At the UMU graduation ceremony held on the Roberts International Airport high way, the unknown individual was seen choking the president from the back while he was shaking hands with the university officials.
The source further that reason why no public official statement has so far been made is that the outgoing Executive Director can’t make public statement now in his capacity while incoming can’t EPS director can’t also make public statement because he hasn’t been confirmed.
The video of the suspected attack, which is making rounds on social media, is said to be disturbing by many who have seen it, as the President was being physically encountered by the man in the presence of the EPS agents assigned with the president.
However, Police spokesperson ,Moses Carter has said the alleged attacker hasn’t been turned over to them but they phoned him to come to the police something he confirmed.
Few days ago, Amb. Sam D. Kanwea, Jr., a young Liberian wrote an apology via an online Platform, after he claimed to be the doer of the act. He wrote: “The security is not week in any way it was a wish, tho it was not the proper way to doing such but it has been a wish to have met with the president and what has occurred today was actually done by me.”
Kanwea: “I stand still and in all way willing to be investigated. I am a citizen, not just a citizen but a down heart personal to his Excellency the President of the Republic of Liberia in Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr the president. My action today mean no harm and never will I do such in anyway.
I publicly apologize to the country in this way, if my proceeding today was wrong, but again I said and say hugging the president most especially his Excellency the President has been my wish.”
