By Laurina B. Lormia
The focal person for Monkeypox at the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), Sumo Nuwolo, has initiated legal proceedings in response to allegations of disclosing sensitive documents, as claimed by the Ministry of Health.
Speaking exclusively to The Inquirer Newspaper on Tuesday, January 14, Nuwolo expressed disappointment over what he termed an unjustified action against him.
He recounted his decade-long career at NPHIL, during which he provided technical and strategic guidance during public health crises.
“I have worked tirelessly over the years to combat outbreaks and protect the health of Liberians. It is my responsibility to offer the required technical support, particularly during an internationally recognized outbreak,” Nuwolo said.
Nuwolo highlighted that NPHIL and the Ministry of Health have long collaborated since the institute’s inception.
However, he claimed that misinformation was fed to NPHIL Director General Dougbeh Chris Nyan, accusing him of submitting false data, which subsequently led to a warning letter.
“It was only appropriate that I offered the required guidance to the Ministry of Health, which oversees the entire health sector. However, this was misrepresented to the Director General,” he noted.
On January 10, Nuwolo received a letter from NPHIL’s Director of Human Resources, suspending him indefinitely without pay. The letter cited breaches of policies and practices, including, disregarding directives from senior management and refusing to cooperate with the Mpox Response Investigation Committee.
Making derogatory remarks towards the Senior Management Team (SMT), constituting insubordination under Section 4.2.2.d (ii) of the Civil Service Agency (CSA) Standing Orders.
Refusing to provide critical documents during an investigation; violating Section 46(96) of the CSA HR Policy Manual.
The letter also scheduled a disciplinary hearing for January 20, 2025, to allow Nuwolo to present evidence and clarify his position.
In response, Nuwolo disclosed that his legal counsel advised him not to provide any correspondence until NPHIL provides documentary evidence to substantiate its claims.
“The burden of proof lies with the accuser. I await the evidence that led to the decision to relieve me of my position as the focal person for Monkey pox. I am prepared to pursue legal redress,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Nuwolo’s legal representative, Attorney Sylvester G. Lormie, has formally requested the investigative report and related decisions from NPHIL.
“We represent Mr. Nuwolo, who retained our services regarding the investigation panel chaired on December 2, 2024. Despite assurances that the investigation report and management’s decisions would be shared promptly, three weeks have passed without any communication. If these documents are not provided, we will pursue remedies under the law,” Attorney Lormie stated.
The case underscores growing tensions within Liberia’s public health sector as the country continues its fight against emerging and persistent outbreaks.
The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has terminated two staff and suspended several others without pay following the theft of the institution’s vehicles.
An internal investigation revealed misconduct, prompting swift action to uphold accountability, thus emphasizing its commitment to integrity and transparency, ensuring that such incidents do not undermine public trust in health services.
Also, the institute’s decision to dismiss and suspend these individuals followed their role in the unauthorized removal of 11 vehicles from the compounds and illegally selling them.
According to an NPHIL’s release, the decision was also rendered after several days of investigation by a seven-person Investigative Committee comprising the Liberia National Police, the Internal Audit Agency, Senior Staff Members, and the Senior Management Team of the NPHIL.
Those staff contracts that were terminated are George Watson, Special Assistant to the Deputy Director for Administration and Pewee Quaqua, Director of Logistics.
While Darlington Bah, Deputy Director for Logistics, was, however, suspended for a time indefinitely. Also, Alexander Jisay, Jerome Ponney, and Kennedy Gayflor, all drivers, were suspended for three months without pay.
The Committee also recommended to President Joseph Boakai to terminate the contract of the institute’s Deputy Director General for Administration, Dr. Adams K. Lincoln.
The committee said its decision is based on the institute’s Deputy DGA’s role in masterminding the unlawful removal and illegal disposal of the institute vehicles and fraudulently creating fake General Service Agency (GSA) documents to take personal ownership of an NPHIL vehicle.
The institute has since turned the terminated employees over to the Justice Ministry for further actions in the restitution of these NPHIL government’s properties.
In response to the committee’s recommendations, Dr. Nyan, said, “Corruption will have no place at the NPHIL under my watch as this may undermine the progress we are making here.”
“So, I strongly call on the NPHIL Board of Directors and the Ministry of Justice to support these patriotic actions of the NPHIL leadership in stamping out corruption, protecting the integrity of our institution and furthering the country’s ARREST Agenda,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nyan has also written to the General Service Agency (GSA) concerning the matter unfolding at the institute responsible for the fight against diseases in the country.
In his letter to the GSA, Dr. Nyan said, “I bring you warm greetings from NPHIL and would like to bring to your attention the attached documents of vehicle disposal allegedly bearing your signature and purportedly emanating from the GSA.”
He said, “In recent times during the process of the NPHIL assets recovery, our institution has been investigating the unauthorized removal of vehicles and alleged sales of said vehicles and other government assets by some staff of the NPHIL in conjunction with a GSA staff, Mr. Franklin Philiku.
During our investigation, multiple testimonies under oath implicated Mr. Franklin Philiku in facilitating the unauthorized removal of the vehicles from the NPHIL, the preparation of the attached documents, and the sales of the vehicles,” he explained.
Dr. Nyan added, “So, against the background of the foregoing, the NPHIL would like to ascertain the validity of the attached documents and cordially request your assistance in our investigation of the theft of government properties.”
Responding to his enquiry, the GSA, through its Director General, Galakpai W. Kortimai said, “We acknowledge receipt of your communication dated January 13, 2025, regarding the unlawful removal and disposal of assets, particularly vehicles, allegedly under GSA.”
DG Kortimai also asserted, “Following a review of the matter, we wish to inform you that the documents presented in this instance have been verified as falsified and do not reflect legitimate GSA transactions.”
“Furthermore, the removal of the assets in question was not conducted in accordance with GSA’s established disposal methods and the laws governing such actions.
To address this matter, the GSA has initiated an internal investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this fraudulent activity. Administrative actions will be taken against any individuals found culpable,” he said.
DG Kortimai furthered, “Additionally, the GSA will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to investigate this issue comprehensively and ensure that those responsible for these acts are held accountable under the law.”
“We assure you that the GSA is committed to maintaining transparency, accountability, and the integrity of its operations. Updates regarding the progress and outcomes of these investigations will be shared as appropriate,” he added.
