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MONROVIA — As part of efforts to promote professionalism, the Director-designate of the Executive Protection Service (EPS), Sam Gaye, has vowed to overhaul the agency, by weeding out “unprofessional” agents within the service.
The EPS is an elite group of armed men and women providing security for the President, Vice President, Speaker and all VIPs in the Executive. They also provide security for foreign guests visiting the country.
Speaking when he appeared for confirmation before the Senate Committee on National Defense, Security, Intelligence and Veteran Affairs on Monday, February 5, Mr. Gaye observed that the EPS is overcrowded, adding that agents should not be members of any political parties in the country.
This, he said, was one of the things that consistently happened within the EPS during the administration of ex-Liberian President George Manneh Weah.
He observed that though it is unethical, some EPS agents wore party regalia during the period under review.
“I was at the EPS from 2016 to 2018. I did not hire one person because I believe the service was adequate enough to protect the President and all the other officials. When I left the EPS in January 2018, we had a workforce of 495 personnel. In the last six years, the number has double to almost 854. My plan is to right-size the institution because, the EPS is overcrowded.”
Mr. Gaye pointed out that the recruitment process that brought on board some agents of the EPS will be critically looked at, adding that, “we may have to do some cleaning work.”
He vowed not to witch-hunt any agent of the EPS in his right-sizing exercise when confirmed by the Senate.
He named a high school diploma, pilot interviewing process, investigation, a six month-training in policing and VIP protection, as some of the criteria for the qualification of an EPS agent.
“I don’t know whether they went through that since 2018. And so, I have to review how the person came on board before talking about right-sizing.”
Mr. Gaye disclosed that he will consult President Boakai prior to taking action to weed out unprofessional agents from the EPS.
No excuses
It was reported last week that an unknown man attacked President Boakai in Margibi County during the graduation of the United Methodist University (UMU).
According to Mr. Gaye, the EPS cannot give any excuse or justification for the unknown individual to be in close proximity with the Liberian leader.
He said the latest incident signifies the importance of having trained men and women within the EPS.
Flashback: Some senior EPS agents wearing the campaign t-shirts and caps of the former ruling party during the 2023 elections.
