Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberian lawmaker and political leader of the Citizens Movement for Change CMC, Rep. Musa Hassan Bility, has sharply criticized the dismissal of several senior officials at the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), describing the move as “deeply troubling” and a potential threat to the country’s health security system.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) Political Leader and Representative of the Liberian Legislature expressed alarm over what he called the government’s “lack of transparency and accountability” surrounding the dismissals.
Bility emphasized that NPHIL, being the nation’s frontline institution for disease surveillance, epidemic preparedness, and emergency response, should not be subjected to abrupt administrative changes without clear justification.
“To remove professionals from such a sensitive and vital institution without providing reasons for their dismissal does not serve the public interest,” Bility asserted. “These are not ordinary civil servants; they are trained experts who have worked tirelessly to build NPHIL’s credibility both nationally and internationally.”
The lawmaker noted that while the government reserves the right to make personnel decisions, such actions must be conducted transparently to maintain public confidence. He warned that silence and secrecy only breed mistrust and speculation, especially when dealing with institutions that safeguard millions of lives.
“If these dismissals stem from policy disagreements, administrative decisions, or allegations of impropriety, the government owes the public a clear and honest explanation,” he added. “Accountability demands transparency.”
Bility further cautioned that vague explanations citing “administrative reasons” not only damage the reputations of the dismissed officials but also weaken the institutional integrity of NPHIL itself, a critical component of Liberia’s public health framework.
Reaffirming his stance on good governance, Bility said leadership must always reflect fairness, clarity, and respect for institutional integrity, especially in agencies essential to national well-being.
“The National Public Health Institute of Liberia is too important to be managed in secrecy or treated as a political casualty,” he stressed.
Bility concluded by calling on the Executive Branch to provide a transparent and comprehensive explanation for the dismissals, insisting that the Liberian people deserve to know the truth.
“Our institutions belong to the people,” he declared. “Decisions affecting them must be made with honesty and respect for the public trust.”
The statement comes amid growing speculation and unease within the public health community, with many observers questioning the motive and timing of the dismissals at a time when Liberia continues to strengthen its post-pandemic health systems.
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