Published: June 20, 2025
MONROVIA — Former Monrovia Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee has accused the country’s chief public health official of abandoning his duties in favor of what he described as a “reckless lifestyle” amid a national health crisis – Mpox.
The rebuke comes in the wake of a June 1 announcement by the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), which confirmed 69 active cases of Mpox across the country. Although no deaths have been reported, the Institute has issued a public health advisory and activated the Mpox National Incident Management System (IMS) to coordinate a nationwide response.
But Koijee, a top figure in the opposition Congress for Democratic Change and close ally of former President George Weah, says the Institute’s leadership is failing at a critical moment.
In a statement released online and widely circulated on social media, Koijee singled out NPHIL Director General Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, accusing him of negligence, hypocrisy, and public misconduct.
“Where is Dr. Nyan?” Koijee asked, referencing the growing Mpox threat. “He sits comfortably as the head of NPHIL but is busy merry-making at D’Calabash, in the company of minors, drinking, smoking, and engaging in disgraceful behavior unbecoming of a man of his age and position.”
Dr. Nyan, a U.S.-trained infectious disease expert, was appointed by President Joseph Boakai amid expectations that his expertise would enhance the country’s pandemic preparedness. But Koijee claimed the respected physician is “asleep at the wheel and drunk at the bar” as the country confronts a potentially dangerous viral outbreak.
NPHIL, however, has maintained that it is working closely with the Ministry of Health and international partners to curb the spread of the disease, which is caused by a viral zoonotic infection formerly known as Monkeypox. The agency has confirmed the presence of two active strains in Liberia—Clade IIa and Clade IIb—and has warned against complacency and misinformation.
“This is not a time for panic, but for caution and responsible behavior,” the Institute said in its advisory, urging citizens to avoid close contact with infected persons, practice safe hygiene, and reduce unnecessary gatherings.
But Koijee questioned the integrity of the government’s response and attacked what he described as Dr. Nyan’s double standard.
“During the Ebola crisis, I mobilized over 1,000 young Liberians to support the national response, without holding any government post,” Koijee recounted. “During COVID-19, I employed over 6,000 contact tracers to help empower communities. But Dr. Nyan, who mocked those efforts on social media, has done nothing tangible since he assumed office.”
Koijee accused Dr. Nyan of engaging in “empty speeches, selfies, and cocktails” rather than deploying grassroots initiatives or public health training for youth. “He once claimed to be the voice of science and reason. Today, he is the face of recklessness and contradiction,” Koijee said.
Koijee also questioned the silence of Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, a frequent critic of the Weah administration who has yet to comment publicly on the Mpox outbreak or the performance of Dr. Nyan.
“Liberians must stop being dazzled by men with foreign degrees but no moral compass,” Koijee added. “Titles do not make leaders. Actions do.”
Despite Koijee’s political jabs, health experts have cautioned against politicizing public health matters. Dr. Nyan has not responded publicly to the accusations.
As of June 1, the Institute has not reported any deaths from Mpox, but it has stressed the virus is infectious and transmittable, especially in areas with high cross-border movement. Authorities are urging institutions to scale back large gatherings and install handwashing stations in schools, churches, and other public spaces.
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