Lofa County,l – Former Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) Commissioner-General, Stephen H. J. Zargo has addressed the media regarding his recent suspension and subsequent replacement by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai.
By Prince T Mulbah, contributing writer
Currently in Lofa County at the request of local traditional leaders, Zargo, a native of Lofa County, clarified the circumstances surrounding his suspension, which has sparked widespread speculation.
Zargo emphasized his ongoing “cordial and friendly relationship” with President Boakai, despite the administrative nature of his suspension. “My people are happy to know that I and my traditional uncle share a mutual relationship that remains unshaken,” Zargo said, expressing gratitude for the support from his community.
Reflecting on his tenure, which lasted nine months, Zargo highlighted his accomplishments, including the training of 185 in-service LIS officers and 517 trained officers now on the government payroll. He thanked President Boakai for the opportunity to serve, acknowledging the President’s right to determine the leadership of the executive branch. “Who determines who works in the executive? The president, isn’t it? If he feels satisfied with your performance and decides to relieve you, you just have to thank him,” Zargo stated.
Addressing rumors regarding the reasons behind his suspension, Zargo denied allegations of misconduct, including accusations of misappropriating government funds and failing to act on the arrest of former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah.
He suggested that his suspension might be linked to the implementation of a legal order, Ne exeat republica, but declined to provide further details. Zargo maintained that no investigation had been conducted into the allegations and clarified,
“None of this information is true. Oral testimony cannot vitiate what is written… My letter of suspension speaks to a judgment in the mind of the chief executive, which had nothing to do with misappropriation of entrusted funds.”
On November 13, 2024, a release from the Executive Mansion announced Zargo’s three-month suspension without pay for administrative reasons. The statement also directed Zargo to turn over all official materials to Deputy Commissioner-General for Administration, Elijah F. Rufus, who would temporarily assume the responsibilities of the LIS during this period.
Following his suspension, Zargo was replaced by Elijah Rufus as the Commissioner-General of the LIS. Despite this development, Zargo expressed his commitment to the people of Lofa County and his belief in President Boakai’s vision for governance. “This is the Lofa people’s government,” he said. “While I wait, I will spend more time in Lofa County.”
Zargo remains optimistic about his future and his relationship with the government, as he looks forward to Liberia’s continued growth and stability under President Boakai’s leadership.
