Monrovia-The Supreme Court of Liberia is expected to deliver its ruling on today, February 16, in a high-stakes legal battle involving Dr. Dougbeh Christopher Nyan and the Executive Branch of Government over his removal as Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL).
According to a Notice of Assignment issued under the signature of Cllr. Sam Manfulu, Clerk of the Court, the ruling will be handed down at 3:00 p.m. during the Court’s October Term, A.D. 2025.
The case was heard by Chambers Justice Jamesetta Howard-Wolokolie after arguments were presented on January 15.
Dr. Nyan filed a Petition for a Writ of Prohibition on October 23, 2025, challenging what he describes as his “unconstitutional” removal by President Joseph Boakai on October 15, 2025.
The action was reportedly based on a resolution from the NPHIL Board alleging “gross inefficiency.”
The petition names the Executive Branch, represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, the Solicitor General, and all persons operating under the authority of the Minister, as respondents.
Through his legal team, led by Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe and Cllr. Kabineh Ja’neh of Gongloe & Associates Law Firm, Dr. Nyan contends that his removal violated the NPHIL Act of 2016, which provides for a fixed five-year tenure for the Director General.
His lawyers argue that no lawful investigation was conducted and no findings of wrongdoing were presented to justify his dismissal.
The petition further asserts that the President’s action contravened procedural safeguards and constitutes grounds for prohibition, citing precedent including Yealue versus the Executive Branch.
During oral arguments before Justice Wolokolie, government lawyers reportedly did not submit written briefs but relied on the NPHIL Board resolution and two affidavits from Health Minister Louise Kpoto and NPHIL Board Chair Stephen Kennedy.
The government is said to have argued that the President possesses authority to terminate the Director General.
However, according to court accounts, no statutory provision was cited establishing an “at will” removal power over a fixed-term tenure position, and no investigative report or evidentiary findings were entered into the record.
Since assuming office on August 19, 2024, and under his leadership, the institute led responses to outbreaks of Mpox, Lassa fever, and measles.
NPHIL also received designation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention as an “Africa Regional Center of Excellence for National Public Health Institute Development.” Independent reports from the General Auditing Agency and NPHIL’s 2025 Annual Report reportedly documented institutional progress during his tenure.
The legal matter raises fundamental constitutional questions about executive authority, statutory tenure protections, due process, and the separation of powers.
As the administration of President Boakai faces growing scrutiny over adherence to rule-of-law principles, the outcome of this case may define the limits of executive removal power and reinforce, or recalibrate, the safeguards governing public institutions.
Dr. Nyan has expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating that he trusts the Supreme Court to uphold constitutional order, fairness, and due process in public service.
The ruling is scheduled to be delivered at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia at 3:00 p.m. on today, February 16.
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