By Julius Konton
A growing controversy has engulfed public service sector after prominent Liberian lawyer, K. Jlayteh Sayor, challenged the appointment of former Senator J. Milton Teahjay to mind the Port of Sinoe County.
Sayor sees Teahjay’s appointment in charge of the Sinoe County Port, “as a blatant violation of 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 the governance system.
“Retirement means retirement”
Cllr. Sayor argued that the appointment directly contradicts statutory provisions governing public service employment.
“The law is clear, retirement means retirement. Public service is not a retirement shelter for political allies.”
Former Senator Teahjay, was born on July 8, 1955.
What the law says
Cllr. Sayor cited the Decent Work Act (Labor Law), which sets the retirement age at 60 years for workers. The Act also established 65 years as the mandatory retirement age for public servants.
“These laws govern public institutions, including the National Port Authority. At 70, Teahjay is legally ineligible to hold a permanent public service position such as a port director. Any such appointment is unlawful,” Sayor said.
Governance experts observed that the case of Teahjay’s appointment, reflects a broader trend.
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 the 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. This is not about age discrimination, it’s about legality and fairness.”
Critics suggest that the Teahjay appointment may be driven more by political loyalty than competence, raising concerns about institutional credibility and government’s commitment to reform.
Reports from governance watchdogs show that exceptions are often quietly granted, undermining public confidence and weakening institutional integrity.
Cllr. Sayor warned that failure to act could set a dangerous precedent.