Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has suspended with immediate effect the Commissioner-General of the Liberia Immigration Services (LIS) Stephen H. J. Zargo for improperly handling official duties.
He is suspended from duty without pay for three months.
According to an Executive Mansion release issued Wednesday, during this suspension, Commissioner Zargo is required to turn over all official materials, assets, and office accessories to the LIS Deputy Commissioner-General for Administration, Mr. Elijah F. Rufus, who will assume responsibilities of the institution during this period.
The release did not specify the details of Zargo’s alleged misconduct, but Zargo heads one of the security sectors that have been in the midst of controversy over the entry into the country of Khalifa Cherif, who was accused of subversive activities in neighboring Guinea. He was accused of entering Liberia illegally to recruit ex-combatants in a bid to oust the Junta leadership.
Cherif was arrested, charged, and imprisoned at the Monrovia Central Prison, but later mysteriously disappeared, and it is alleged that he was whisked away by top security personnel, led by Police Inspector General, Gregory Coleman.
Security authorities claimed that Cherif was handed over to Guinean officials by the Joint Security team, though his lawyer disputes this, challenging the government to confirm that he is still alive.
However, the Executive Mansion release noted that the suspension reflects President Boakai’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability among public servants.
It said President Boakai remains dedicated to strengthening the rule of law and reinforcing integrity within all public offices.
“This action serves as a reminder to all officials of government regarding their duty to serve with honor and diligence,” the Executive Mansion Release noted.
