–As Liberian Lawyer Challenges Gov’t Over “Illegal” Port Appointment, Sparks National Debate on Age, Power, and Rule of Law
By: Julius Konton
IPNEWS: A growing controversy has engulfed Liberia’s public service sector after a prominent Liberian lawyer Cllr. K. Jlayteh Sayor publicly challenged the appointment of former Senator J. Milton Teahjay as Director of the Sinoe County Port, calling the move a blatant violation of Liberia’s retirement and civil service laws.
The appointment, announced amid ongoing reforms at the National Port Authority (NPA), has ignited a nationwide debate over age limits, political patronage, youth exclusion, and respect for the rule of law in Liberia’s governance system.
“Retirement Means Retirement”
Speaking to the media, Cllr. Sayor argued that the appointment directly contradicts statutory provisions governing public service employment.
“The law is clear, retirement means retirement,” Sayor stated. “Public service is not a retirement shelter for political allies”, he blasted.
According to official government records, former Senator Teahjay was born on July 8, 1955, making him 70 years old and due to turn 71 later this year.
What the Law Says
Cllr. Sayor cited two major legal frameworks:
Liberia’s Decent Work Act (Labor Law), which sets the retirement age at 60 years for workers.
Liberia’s Civil Service Act, which establishes 65 years as the mandatory retirement age for public servants.
“These laws govern public institutions, including the National Port Authority,” Sayor emphasized.
“At 70 years old, Mr. Teahjay is legally ineligible to hold a permanent public service position such as Port Director. Any such appointment is unlawful, he maintained “.
A Systemic Problem?
Governance experts note that this case reflects a broader trend in Liberia.
According to civil service data, more than 30 percent of senior public sector appointees are above the statutory retirement age, while over 65 percent of Liberia’s population is under 35.
Youth advocacy groups argue that continued appointments of retirees deepen unemployment and shut out a new generation of professionals.
“You cannot preach youth empowerment while recycling the same political elite,” said one governance analyst.
“This is not about age discrimination, it’s about legality and fairness.”
Political Patronage or Public Interest?
Critics suggest the appointment may be driven more by political loyalty than competence, raising concerns about institutional credibility and the government’s commitment to reform.
Historically, Liberia has struggled with enforcement of retirement laws.
Reports from governance watchdogs show that exceptions are often quietly granted, undermining public confidence and weakening institutional integrity.
A Call for Accountability
Cllr. Sayor warned that failure to act could set a dangerous precedent.
“Respect retirement. Respect the law.
Respect future generations,” he declared.
“If laws only apply to ordinary citizens and not to the powerful, then we are not governed by law but by convenience.”
As of publication, the Ministry of Transport, the National Port Authority, and the Executive Mansion have not publicly responded to the legal challenge.
