President Joseph Boakai has come under fire to rethink his appointments amid Supreme Court Backlash
It comes as the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has issued a pressing call to President Boakai, urging him to reassess his recent appointments amidst growing controversy.
The appointments in question involve individuals whose previous nominations to the Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA) sparked significant debate and led to a ruling by the Supreme Court.
In a recent development, President Boakai suspended Garrison Yealue, Chairperson, and Elizabeth Dorkin, Commissioner of the Governance Commission, citing activities inconsistent with the institution’s founding Act. Additionally, Edwina Zackpah, Israel Akinsanya, Zotawon Titus, James Gbarwea, and Osborne Diggs, Chairperson and Commissioners of the LTA, faced suspension over allegations of financial irregularities and other malpractices, with a mandate for investigation by the General Auditing Commission.
Speaking at a news conference in Monrovia, Anderson D. Miamen, Executive Director of CENTAL, expressed concern over the President’s actions, emphasizing the importance of adhering to due process, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
CENTAL called for a genuine commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that tenured officials receive substantive due process, rather than merely procedural steps aimed at facilitating replacements.
Mr. Miamen also highlighted the establishment of the Ombudsman’s office, urging the Liberian government to provide the necessary support for its effective operation.
He pointed out alleged violations of the Code of Conduct by officials during the 2023 elections and underscored the need for accountability in governance.
CENTAL criticized President Boakai’s nominations to various institutions, including the LTA and Governance Commission, which are already occupied by protected tenured officials.
Despite public backlash and legal concerns, the President’s legal advisor cited constitutional powers to appoint and dismiss executive branch officials at will.
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling on April 25, 2024, reaffirming the unlawfulness of the President’s actions, CENTAL expressed deep concern over subsequent suspensions and appointments that seemed to defy the court’s decision.
The appointment of individuals previously ruled against by the court raised questions about the government’s commitment to the rule of law and impartiality.
While acknowledging the President’s authority to address corruption and malpractices, CENTAL cautioned against using such powers to pursue political agendas.
The organization emphasized the importance of impartial audits and investigations in combating corruption, rather than targeting individuals for political reasons.
In conclusion, CENTAL reiterated its stance on the necessity of lawful procedures and substantive due process in handling appointments and suspensions of government officials.
Despite criticism of specific officials’ actions, the organization emphasized the importance of upholding legal principles and avoiding arbitrary decisions in governance.
