The New Dawn Liberia | Truly Independent

Officials of the Presidential guard, Executive Protection Service (EPS) formerly the Special Security Service (SSS) have dismissed eight officers from the elite force.

According to the dismissal letter signed by the head of the Human Resource Section of the Executive Protection Service Madam Mary Bohlen, the affected officers failed to meet the minimum requirement of the presidential guard force.

“After a careful scrutiny and observation, it was observed that the Executive Protection Service could no longer work with you for the following reasons: that you have no former basic police, intelligence and VIP training; that your attitude exhibited during the time you were being observed was very unethical and unprofessional”, the letter read.

Those dismissed include agents Larie Simpson, Joseph M. T Kokulo, Yamah Zubawuo and Yatta Anderson. Others are agents Anthony Mehns, Kenneth G. Bracewell, Lawrence V. Koiyenneh and Mark S. Magbollah.

But the dismissed agents claimed the EPS authorities have failed to pay them their arrears and benefits without providing any clear explanations.

The letter of dismissal is dated July 11, 2011 at the time when the force had not transformed into Executive Protection Service. It was still known as the Special Security Service (SSS).

When the Director of the EPS, Daniel Othello Warrick was contacted Monday in front of the residence of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in Monrovia, he said as head of the elite presidential guard, he has right to dismiss any time.

“I have the right to dismiss anyone at any time; If I, Othello, is not satisfied with you, you are out of the show. The reason is just simple; we are charged with the responsibility to protect the life of the President and I will not take such responsibility likely”, he maintained.

Othello, a former Deputy Defense Minister stressed that the protection of the presidency requires dedication and commitment and as head of the institution, he would not relent in dismissing anyone, who performs below expectation.

“The protection of the presidency is an important task, that’s why during the 2012/13 National Budget hearing before the Legislature, you did not see me before the Joint Committee to justify the allotment for the EPS”, he pointed out.