By Vaye Abel Lepolu
MONROVIA – The Supreme Court of Liberia has reserved judgment in the wrongful termination case involving Dr. Dougbeh Christopher Nyan and the Executive Branch of Government, following a two-day conference before Associate Justice Jamesetta Howard-Wolokolie.
The Justice-in-Chambers took the decision to allow both parties—Dr. Nyan’s legal team and the government’s attorneys—to consult on possible resolutions, including reinstatement or other legal remedies. Sources say discussions may center on Dr. Nyan’s immediate reinstatement as Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), or compensation for breach of contract and damages, a move that could place substantial financial burden on the government.
Dr. Nyan, a prominent biomedical scientist and public health expert, filed his petition on October 23, 2025, challenging his removal by President Joseph Boakai on October 15, 2025. He argues that his dismissal violated Section 4.4 of the NPHIL Act, which grants a five-year tenure to the Director General. Dr. Nyan was appointed on August 1, 2024.
Since assuming office, he has been praised for strengthening NPHIL’s technical operations and leading effective responses to Mpox, Lassa fever, and measles outbreaks. Under his leadership, the institution earned designation from the Africa CDC as an “Africa Regional Center of Excellence for National Public Health Institute Development.”
In his petition, Dr. Nyan contends that the President’s decision—based on a resolution from the NPHIL Board—did not follow the legal procedures required for removing a tenured official. Court documents reveal that the Board offered no evidence of wrongdoing, nor was Dr. Nyan investigated or accused of any misconduct.
His lawyers, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe and former Associate Justice Cllr. Kabineh M. Ja’neh, referenced Supreme Court precedents, including Yealue et al. v. Executive Branch of Government, reinforcing the protection of tenured positions in autonomous agencies.
With the Boakai administration facing international calls to uphold the rule of law, the Court’s involvement signals heightened judicial scrutiny over tenure protections and government accountability. Observers note that the decision in Dr. Nyan’s case may set a significant precedent for reinforcing due process, separation of powers, and good governance in Liberia.
Dr. Nyan, recognized globally for his contributions to infectious disease diagnostics, has reaffirmed his confidence in the judiciary to ensure fairness and respect for constitutional procedures in public service.
