Tensions between former and current government officials have escalated after the Director of Liberia’s Executive Protection Service (EPS), Sam Gaye, through his legal team, threatened to sue Eugene Lenn Nagbe, former Chief of Staff to ex-President George Weah, over what he calls “false and damaging” accusations.
In a strongly worded legal letter dated Wednesday, Gaye’s lawyers demanded Nagbe publicly retract statements made during a March 31 interview on OK FM, where Nagbe allegedly claimed Gaye kept a photograph in his bedroom showing “a gun at former President Weah.” The EPS chief has dismissed the allegation as not only baseless but also harmful to his reputation.
The letter, issued by TOUN-YA Legal Consultancy and Arbitration Chambers and signed by Cllr. Kabineh M. Ja’neh, a former Supreme Court Associate Justice, gave Nagbe 48 hours to withdraw his comments or face legal consequences.
“The law in our jurisdiction is clear: injury is done to a person’s reputation when false and defamatory statements are made that harm their public standing,” the letter stated. It further argued that Nagbe’s remarks had subjected Gaye to “inestimable public shun” and could undermine his credibility both in Liberia and abroad.
As of Thursday evening, Nagbe had not publicly responded to the legal notice, leaving observers waiting to see whether he will comply or challenge the demand.
The dispute highlights the deepening rift between officials of the former Weah administration and current government appointees, reflecting broader political tensions in Liberia’s post-election climate. Accusations of disloyalty, security breaches, and personal attacks have become increasingly common, raising concerns about the impact on national cohesion.
Political analysts suggest that such public clashes could further polarize the political landscape, especially as debates over accountability and governance continue.
If Nagbe fails to retract his statement within the stipulated timeframe, legal proceedings could follow, setting the stage for a high-profile court battle. Meanwhile, the public remains divided, with some viewing the threat of litigation as an attempt to silence criticism, while others see it as a necessary defense against defamation.
For now, all eyes are on Eugene Nagbe, will he apologize, double down, or remain silent? The clock is ticking.
