By: Blesset D. Kpenkennie
Recently Dismissed employees of the Monrovia City Corporation have voiced their frustration, terming the action by the government as counterproductive to their livelihoods.
The former employees who claimed wrongful dismissal orchestrated by the government through the Monrovia City Corporation are dominantly believed to be partisans and supporters of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
Josiah Joekai, Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), upon whose recommendation MCC Mayor Siafa John acted, has been in the news with a cross-section of state actors including supporters of the Unity Party (UP) and or “Rescue Mission” turning their backs at him.
While the news about the “illegal” dismissal is parading the corridors, the victims have also expressed fear, indicating that their lives are in danger.
Addressing a press conference in Monrovia, on Wednesday, August 21, 2022, the group narrated that since their “wrongful dismissal”, they have received numerous threats against their lives, adding that the situation is worsening day by day.
The recent dismissal of the MCC workers have however sparked controversy and unrest among the.
In their statement issued, the dismissed MCC Workers responded to their dismissal from the Monrovia City Corporation terming it as “illegal”.
The fired workers, many of whom had served the MCC for years, expressed their outrage and disappointment in a recent press statement.
They claimed that their jobs were terminated void of due process and prior notice as well as opportunity to defend their positions.
“Our lives are in danger”, one former Worker stated.
Another person told the press that he can no longer walk or even sleep in bed freely due to threats from those in power.
He further stated that their dismissal letters accused them of abusing and threatening the life of the President.
The MCC announced the dismissal of the 9 employees in early August 2024, citing the need to streamline operations and reduce what it described as “redundant positions” within the corporation.
MCC officials have claimed that the decision was purely administrative, aimed at improving efficiency and cutting costs amid growing financial pressures.
However, the timing and the manner of the dismissals have led to widespread speculation that the move was politically motivated.
Meanwhile, few politicians and state actors responded to the dismissal of the MCC Workers including Senator Darius Dillion who stated “It was very wrong for the CSA to recommend the dismissal of Civil Servants.”
Also speaking on the matter via social media was Senator Nathaniel McGill who said: “MCC is entitled to make administrative decisions that will benefit its operations and there was no political agenda behind the dismissal.”
The situation has since become a major talking point on street corners and at intellectual centers.
The dismissed workers meanwhile have called upon the help of well-meaning Liberians, Peace Builders, Religious Leaders, and international Communities to intervene.
