A Senate committee has found that Civil Service Agency (CSA) Director General Josiah F. Joekai, Sr. violated Liberia’s National Code of Conduct by participating in a partisan political event linked to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s reelection campaign, recommending that President Boakai consider disciplinary action that could range from a written reprimand to outright dismissal.
In a report submitted by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petitions, lawmakers concluded that Joekai’s appearance at a rally organized under the banner of the National Independent Movement for Boakai (NIMBO) amounted to prohibited political participation by a presidential appointee.
The investigation stemmed from a formal complaint filed by Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh, who accused the CSA Director General of violating the National Code of Conduct after attending a NIMBO event organized by Representative Thomas P. Fallah.
After reviewing photographs, Facebook posts, media reports and Joekai’s own testimony, the committee concluded that the gathering was “unmistakably political” and intended to mobilize support for President Boakai’s reelection.
Although Joekai admitted attending the event, he denied violating the law, arguing that he was merely accompanying President Boakai his immediate superior who attended as Guest of Honor. He further maintained that he neither campaigned nor delivered political remarks.
According to the report, Joekai’s decision to wear an official NIMBO T-shirt publicly identified him with the political organization and went beyond what could reasonably be considered official protocol.
“If his attendance was solely in his official capacity, there was no legitimate reason to wear the political organization’s T-shirt or otherwise identify himself with the political movement,” the committee stated.
The report further emphasized that political participation under Liberia’s Code of Conduct extends beyond delivering campaign speeches or soliciting votes.
Lawmakers argued that merely attending a partisan political event while displaying the symbols or regalia of a political organization constitutes political participation because it conveys public endorsement and risks using the prestige of public office to advance partisan interests.
The committee also dismissed Joekai’s contention that accompanying the President exempted him from the restrictions imposed by the Code of Conduct, finding no constitutional or statutory provision that grants appointed public officials such immunity.
As Director General of the Civil Service Agency, Joekai oversees Liberia’s civil service and is responsible for promoting professionalism, merit and political neutrality throughout the public sector.
The committee said his conduct therefore carries greater significance than that of an ordinary public employee.
“His actions have the potential to undermine public confidence in the political neutrality and impartiality of the Civil Service and create the perception that career public servants are expected to align themselves with partisan political organizations,” the report warned.
The Judiciary Committee concluded that, based on the totality of the evidence, Joekai violated Part V, Section 5.1 of the National Code of Conduct, which prohibits presidential appointees from engaging in political activities while serving in office.
Consequently, the committee recommended that the Senate Plenary adopt its findings and formally determine that Joekai breached the Code of Conduct.
It further urged the Senate to recommend to President Boakai that appropriate administrative sanctions be imposed. The proposed penalties include a formal written reprimand, suspension without pay, or removal from office if the President determines that the violation constitutes serious misconduct incompatible with continued public service.
The committee also recommended that its report be transmitted to the Office of the President for appropriate action.
The report was endorsed by the Senate Plenary and will be forwarded to the president for onward actions.
