Tensions are mounting at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) following what many staff members describe as an illegal and unethical move by two board members to seize key administrative roles at the institution.
Former Margibi County Senator Oscar Cooper and former CARI Director General Dr. Walter Wiles have controversially assumed the roles of Director of Finance and Administration, and Deputy Director General for Research Programs, respectively, despite both men currently serving as members of the CARI Board.
Their appointments, which insiders describe as self-imposed, have bypassed procedures mandated by the Act establishing CARI. Under the law, such senior roles must be publicly advertised, with a shortlist submitted to the President for official appointment.
Insiders report that both men have already taken up office, sparking outrage and resistance within the institution.
“This is a complete violation of our laws,” several aggrieved employees told this paper. “You cannot be on the board and take an administrative position; it’s like being a player and the referee at the same time.”
The move has triggered widespread allegations of conflict of interest, nepotism, and renewed concerns over corruption, particularly related to Dr. Wiles. His return to the institute is being met with fierce internal opposition.
Dr. Wiles, who previously headed CARI, was implicated in a damning General Auditing Commission (GAC) report and later indicted by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) for multiple offenses, including theft of property, economic sabotage, and misuse of public funds.
The GAC audit, which remains central to an ongoing court case, accuses Wiles, alongside other former CARI officials including Dr. Marcus T. Jones, and David Kermue-of forgery, counterfeiting, and illegal disbursement of public money.
Despite being summoned by the Legislature’s Joint Public Accounts Committee, Wiles allegedly fled to the United States and refused to appear to clear his name.
Now back at CARI in a powerful administrative capacity, staff members have vowed to resist his reappointment, calling it an insult to the institution and a dangerous precedent for governance in Liberia.
“This is the same man whose leadership was marred by financial scandals. We can’t allow him to return and destroy this place again,” said a senior staff member. “President Joseph Boakai needs to act now and remove both Dr. Wiles and former Senator Oscar Cooper from the board.”
The situation has also pulled in Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah, who chairs the CARI Board.
Multiple sources within CARI allege that Minister Nuetah allegedly orchestrated the appointments of Wiles and Cooper, despite glaring legal and ethical red flags.
In contrast, former Agriculture Minister and current board member Dr. Moses Zinnah has refused to accept an administrative post while serving on the board. “I have never seen this before in my professional life,” he said, a statement that many CARI employees have applauded as a principled stand for integrity and good governance.
With internal protests intensifying and employees pledging to explore every legal means to overturn the appointments, the unfolding crisis at CARI presents a critical test of the Boakai administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
CARI Board Defends Move as Temporary and Legal
In response to growing criticism, Agriculture Minister and Board Chair Dr. Alexander Nuetah clarified that the action stemmed from a formal board resolution dated June 13, 2025, which was signed by the Director General, who serves as Secretary to the board.
“The action at CARI derived from Board Resolution 13 June 2025. I’m sending you the resolution, also signed by the CARI Director General. Read it and get back to me if you need further clarification,” he stated.
According to a press release from the Board, the decision to appoint Dr. Wiles and former Senator Cooper was based on urgent operational needs due to prolonged vacancies in key management roles.
The resolution cites failed recruitment efforts and the risk of overburdening the current Director General as justifications.
“These interim appointments will run from July 1 to December 31, 2025, during which time the Board will intensify efforts to recruit qualified permanent candidates,” the release states. Both appointees, it adds, have agreed to step back from their board voting rights and will receive compensation in line with the roles they are assuming.
The Board maintains that the appointments are in the best interest of the institution and aligned with the Government’s ARREST Agenda for agricultural revitalization.
