By Pewu Y. Sumo
MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has announced that Deputy Commissioner of Police Sam Collins has officially assumed duty as the new Spokesperson for the force.
According to an official statement, the reassignment of Deputy Commissioner Collins is part of an administrative decision to strategically transfer officers across various divisions. The move is intended to enhance efficiency, professionalism, and effective service delivery within the LNP.
The LNP expressed full confidence in Deputy Commissioner Collins’ experience, leadership, and commitment to transparent communication. As he resumes his responsibilities as Head of the Press and Public Affairs Division, the LNP stated it looks forward to strengthened engagement with both the media and the public.
A Controversial Transition
Collins assumes this role amid the sudden and controversial resignation of Madam Cecelia G. Clarke, who quit the LNP on Wednesday.
Madam Clarke, affectionately known as “Cece,” cited persistent workplace discrimination, operational constraints, and structural barriers that she claimed undermined her authority and performance. Her resignation came just one day after she was transferred to head the LNP’s Protocol Department—a move she described as “unjustified and procedurally flawed.”
Allegations of Undermining
In a press briefing held at the LNP Headquarters in Monrovia, the former spokesperson stated that the transfer followed a pattern of professional challenges that ultimately made her continued service untenable.
Notably, the Protocol Department to which Clarke was transferred was previously headed by Sam Collins. Clarke had publicly accused Collins of undermining her office by allegedly running parallel communications within the police structure.
“The LNP has one spokesperson, and that mandate is for my office to uphold,” Clarke previously posted on social media as tensions rose. “Stop the undermining, misrepresenting, and stereotyping that you are noted for. My silence is not stupidity.”
A Seasoned Professional
Cecelia Clarke is a well-seasoned communications expert. Prior to her tenure at the LNP, she served as the President of the Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL) and was a senior staff member at the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS).
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