The National Independent Movement for Boakai (NIMBO) has been officially launched to secure a second term for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in 2029.
Occasioned by political speeches, slogans, and a parade, Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and 48 other lawmakers promised to deliver over half a million votes to Pres. Boakai. No doubt, it was a colorful political showcasing.
What remains a doubt in many quarters is that: Did the Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., violate the 2014 Code of Conduct Law, the 2012 CSA Standing Orders, and the CSA Core Mandate of Political Neutrality as stated in its 1973 Act of the National Legislature?
As an investigative reporter, I covered the political activities of NIMBO yesterday. Director-General Joekai was not only seen wearing NIMBO political paraphernalia, but he also chanted and danced to political slogans/lyrics.
The Law:
1) Section 5.1 of the 2014 Code of Conduct Law: “All Officials appointed by the President of the Republic of Liberia shall not: a) engage in political activities, canvass or contest for elected offices; b) use Government facilities, equipment or resources in support of partisan or political activities; c) serve on a campaign team of any political party, or the campaign of any independent candidate.”
2) Chapter 7 Section 2.9 of the 2012 Standing Orders for Civil Service emphasizes political independence and neutrality (e.g., Political Campaign Leave).
3) The 1973 Civil Service Act accentuates depoliticization, non-partisanship, and professionalism of the Civil Service Agency (CSA).
Dr. Joekai, at a major press conference in August 2024, strongly emphasized the apolitical nature of the Civil Service Agency after he directed the termination of nine (9) employees of the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC). Is the CSA still apolitical as the law requires? Did CSA Boss Joekai violate the law or the law only applies to certain people?
