Liberian Government Has Appointed Nigerian-trained General As Its Top Security Chief

Charles Johnson

PRESIDENT Joseph Boakai has chosen Nigerian-born Major General Charles Johnson (retired) as the Director of Liberia's National Security Agency.

Johnson's appointment is pending ratification by the Liberian Senate and comes after he resigned as Minister of National Defense.

Johnson possesses substantial military expertise to his new post, having previously served as Chief of Staff of the Liberian Armed Forces for six years.

He was born in Monrovia, went through officer training at the Nigeria Army School of Infantry, and graduated from United Methodist University with a degree in accounting.

In a statement, President Boakai said: “We believe Major General Johnson's leadership will strengthen our national security apparatus.”

Meanwhile, commenting on his appointment, Johnson stated, “I am honored to serve my country in this capacity and look forward to contributing to our nation's security."

In a similar international appointment, Bola Oyetunji, also of Nigerian heritage, has been appointed as the next Auditor-General of New South Wales, Australia.

Oyetunji, who was selected through a merit-based procedure, has extensive auditing and leadership expertise to the role, having held multiple high roles in government auditing bodies.

In response to his appointment, Oyetunji said, “Being appointed as the next Auditor-General for NSW is a great honor. I am committed to the integrity and independence required of the role in holding government and state agencies accountable for how they govern and use resources under their management.”

Oyetunji responded to his appointment, saying, “Being appointed as the next Auditor-General for NSW is a huge honor. I am devoted to the integrity and independence required for the function of holding government and state agencies accountable for how they govern and use resources under their control.”

Premier Chris Minns welcomed Oyetunji's appointment, saying, “His extensive experience across all levels of government will be highly valued in this important role.”