No surprise because the brawl took place under the eyes of the man who has become a controversial former security aide to President Ellen johnson-Sirleaf, on the one hand, and the woman who, for a short time, was a controversial police chief. Both characters were appointed by Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

News reports say Police Director Munah Sieh put herself at the head of a team of officers, stormed the port in the early hours of Monday morning to effect an arrest in the case of an alleged fuel theft at the port. Apparently, that approach did not go down too well with Mr. Ashford Peal, Director of the port security who ordered his men not to allow intrusion. That order caused a spark, thus violent clashes erupted between the two security forces. Several officers on both sides were wounded, and President Sirleaf has ordered an immediate investigation for prompt action.

 Seaport Director Ashford Peal

Monday's incident again reminds us of the days when the public was witness to internal strife between and among security forces owing to a variety of reasons ranging from unprofessional conduct to breakdown in communication. The latter has always happened and will always happen. But a country trying to pick up the pieces to forge a full fledge democracy and maintain peace a security, cannot afford to accommodate unprofessional, unethical and untrained elements in the equation.

Doe appointed  to security positions, individuals who he trusted and were many times, his family members. But a great number of them were also unprofessional and untrained. They lack the requisite experience for the positions they held. When he dismissed them for unethical conduct, they were rehired and given even more delicate security jobs. He investigated  lots of incidents as the Freeport's but took decisions on only a few.

The tolerance for unprofessional and criminal conduct of security personnel caused a complete breakdown in discipline law enforcement in Liberia prior to the 15 year war. Security officials who did not have to pursue and ensue, were leading hot pursuits. They forgot that their main jobs were not to lead the squads but to direct them.

So, in Monday's incident, we now find again that an individual (Ashford Peal) who served as a principal bodyguard to the President and was dismissed for illegally discharging his weapon, has become a principal character in another episode that led to several injuries. We are not sure if Mr. Peal is trying to make a movie but with the controversies surrounding him, one will wonder how does the President continue to have so much trust in his ability to do a great job as a security chief. Maybe a bodyguard or escort. But this path only reminds us of history.

Monday's incident now tells us that if the president's goal of "empowering women" must be met, she ought to help some of those women with requisite training that will help them to make better - and not stupid decisions on the job, because if they continue to cause lapses, the public and critics will only be left with the impression that the president is playing a selfish game and not considering the overall interest of the Liberian people, yea, peace and security.