Retired Major General Prince Charles Johnson has once again resurfaced in the Boakai-led government after his resignation as Minister of National Defense in February of this year.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the former Chief-of-Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) was nominated by President Joseph N. Boakai, as Director of the National Security Agency (NSA), a position that requires confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
The NSA Director plays a critical role in national security and intelligence matters, as he/she holds a crucial position responsible for overseeing intelligence and security matters.
Also, the NSA Director shall prepare Intelligence and Security briefing for the President; report to the President through the Ministry of Justice on all matters affecting the work of the Agency, as circumstances may require or as directed by the President, and to carry out all operations assigned him.
Other responsibilities of the NSA Director are to select, investigate, hire, and train according to rigid professional standards, personnel required for the source and efficient functioning of the Agency, and to protect intelligence sources and methods of operation from unauthorized disclosure.
When confirmed by the Senate, Johnson will then replace the NSA long-time intelligence veteran, J. Henric Pearson, who was also appointed by President Boakai as Director General for Passports and Visas (with the rank of Ambassador), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It can be recalled that prior to his nomination, Johnson, in early February of this year, retired from the AFL and was nominated as the Minister of National Defense by the President.
But he later resigned from his post just a week after being confirmed by the Liberian senate due to days of protest actions by wives of the AF, after being accused by the women of corruption, even though he served twelve years as Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff without report of any corruption.
Johnson’s resignation on Monday, February 12, 2024, which was the last day of the women’s protest, sent a huge shock both local and internationally, with many in disbelief at the accusation of corruption by a man believed to be an astute solider.
In his letter of resignation as Defense Minister, Johnson outlined the reasons for his action, disclosing that it was due to the current political and civil disturbances occasioned by the protest of the women.
This, he intoned, as a result of the protest which also caused serious disturbances and led to the prevention of the free movement of citizens, also contributed to his decision to resign and preserve the peace and security of the State.
Receiving his resignation, President Boakai and Commander-In-Chief of AFL, expressed gratitude to Minister Johnson for his invaluable service to the country and described him as a patriot.
The President, at the same time, instructed the Army to ensure all those impeding the free movement of people and vehicles through actions that blocked major thoroughfares across the country to immediately remove themselves and allow the government to resolve their grievances.
Meanwhile, President Boakai has appointed Rt. Major General Daniel D. Ziankahn as Military Adviser, Office of the President, thus calling on the various nominees and appointees to continue to demonstrate diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in service to country.
