By: Journalist Archie Ayouba Boan
The Director General of the Civil Service Agency of Liberia, Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., has strongly pushed back against recent criticisms from Amara Konneh, describing the Senator’s allegations as “false, misleading, intellectually dishonest, and politically motivated.”
In a detailed official response , Dr. Joekai defended his conduct, constitutional rights, and role in government while accusing Senator Konneh of deliberately distorting facts to attack officials associated with the administration of Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
The controversy stems from comments made by Senator Konneh questioning Joekai’s participation in political activities and drawing comparisons between the CSA boss and former officials accused of violating public service regulations.
However, Dr. Joekai categorically rejected those comparisons, arguing that they are legally and administratively inaccurate.
“Madam Emma Glassco occupied a tenure position governed by distinct legal and policy limitations. I, on the other hand, serve as a political appointee at the will and pleasure of the President of the Republic of Liberia and have not violated any laws,” Joekai stated.
The CSA Director General further clarified that he is not a civil servant but rather a presidential appointee mandated to oversee and manage Liberia’s civil service sector.
“Civil service regulations are binding on civil servants, not political appointees. So, the claims that I violated civil service regulations are utterly dishonest, deceptive, and completely erroneous,” he asserted.
Dr. Joekai also denied allegations suggesting partisan political involvement, maintaining that he is not a registered member of any political party in Liberia. According to him, supporting political candidates during elections is a constitutional right afforded to every Liberian citizen and does not automatically constitute party membership.
Addressing concerns surrounding his attendance at the NIMBO event referenced by critics, Joekai argued that his participation occurred on a Sunday and did not interfere with his official responsibilities as head of the CSA.
“My attendance, like many other officials of government at the NIMBO event on Sunday, was entirely within my constitutional rights as a Liberian citizen,” he said.
The CSA boss additionally accused Senator Konneh of engaging in what he described as “bitterness, hostility, and relentless attacks” against individuals perceived to be supportive of the Boakai administration.
He also dismissed claims that employees at the Monrovia City Corporation were disciplined for political reasons, insisting that disciplinary actions taken against certain employees were based strictly on misconduct, violations of workplace ethics, dissemination of false information, and sustained public insults against government officials.
“No serious government anywhere in the world tolerates indiscipline, abuse, and coordinated attacks against public institutions by individuals simultaneously serving within those same institutions,” Joekai argued.
Despite the growing public debate, Dr. Joekai maintained that his focus remains on implementing reforms within Liberia’s public sector. He highlighted ongoing efforts by the CSA aimed at improving professionalism, accountability, efficiency, and governance systems across government institutions.
According to him, those reforms are already yielding “measurable national impact” and attracting recognition both within Liberia and across Africa.
