Jewel Howard-Taylor’s “Chaos or Calm” Remarks Trigger EPS Warning on Security Withdrawal

Monrovia, Liberia: The political climate in Liberia has grown increasingly tense following a series of events sparked by a Supreme Court ruling regarding the leadership of the House of Representatives. In response, opposition parties led a unified press conference urging President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to honor the Court’s decision.

The press conference, held at the Alternative National Congress (ANC) headquarters at Catholic Junction in Congo Town, brought together a coalition of opposition voices, including the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and the ANC.

The gathering came shortly after President Boakai addressed the nation from his Rehab residence, where he acknowledged the Supreme Court’s ruling and stated that his administration “will abide by the Supreme Court’s decision,” while also expressing intent to work “with any bloc at the 55th Legislature with quorum.”

Among the opposition speakers was former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, who issued a stern warning from the podium. “President Boakai, you must follow the mandate from the Supreme Court,” she declared.

She went further, stating:

“There is a very clear difference here  either as a nation we agree to follow a path of chaos, because once you do not go by the rule of law, then you are calling for chaos. We either do chaos or we do calm   where our country is able to move forward, where the hopes and aspirations of our people will be met. This is the choice we have today. And that particular choice is led by the President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai. He can decide whether he wants a calm country so that he can fulfill the Rescue Agenda, or he can open the Pandora’s box that will lead us to a place where we don’t want to be.”

These remarks prompted swift response from the Executive Protection Service (EPS), which issued a statement interpreted by many as a direct warning to the former Vice President and others making similar public declarations.

In its statement, the EPS said:

“The Executive Protection Service (EPS) wishes to inform the public that it will withdraw security protection from any VIP protectee who publicly advocates for insurrection, rebellion, or violent protest against the Government of Liberia.”

EPS Statement 

The EPS noted that it had been made aware of “recent public statements made by certain officials which amount to calls for chaos and violent disruption of public order,” calling such comments “deeply concerning and inconsistent with the laws of Liberia.”

“As mandated by law, the EPS is responsible for the protection of the President, the Vice President, their immediate families, visiting foreign dignitaries, and other senior officials of government as directed by the President. A protectee who actively engages in or incites violence or rebellion against the government forfeits the privilege of EPS protection.”

The statement concluded with the EPS reaffirming its commitment to professional and impartial service, but warning that it “cannot and will not be used as an instrument to undermine the peace, security, and constitutional order of the Republic.”

While political pundits continue to debate the implications of the EPS’ statement  some interpreting it as a political threat  government sources insist the agency is simply upholding its constitutional duties in the face of rising inflammatory rhetoric.

As the situation evolves, Liberians across the political spectrum are closely watching for signs of resolution  or escalation  in the standoff between the Boakai administration and opposition leaders.