By Pewu Y. Sumo
Capitol Hill, Monrovia: — Civil Service Agency (CSA) Director-General Dr. Josiah Joekai continues to face a barrage of criticism since his controversial appearance at the official launch of the National Independent Movement for Boakai (NIMBO), with Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh among those from the Legislature calling for a probe into the matter.
Senator Konneh, executing his oversight responsibilities as a member of the Upper House (the Senate), is never shy about speaking on issues involving officials of the executive branch of government.
In a Facebook post earlier today, the Gbarpolu Senator criticized the appearance of Dr. Joekai at the official NIMBO launch over the weekend, while formally expressing his intention to request that the Liberian Senate summon the CSA boss to clarify his actions.
Joekai’s Actions vs. The Code of Conduct
The controversy stems from Joekai’s recent appearance at the NIMBO launch—a movement heavily tied to President Joseph Boakai’s political apparatus. While Joekai issued a swift rebuttal defending his presence, Senator Konneh made it clear that the explanation falls short of legal and ethical expectations.
Describing NIMBO as a “political masterstroke” orchestrated by Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, Konneh emphasized that his concerns surrounding the issue are not personal, but rather a fundamental question of the rule of law.
“Respectfully, I remain unconvinced by his justification,” Senator Konneh stated. “The issue before us is not personal; it is a matter of adherence to the laws and ethical standards governing public officials in the Republic of Liberia.”
Making specific reference to Part V, Section 5.1 of the National Code of Conduct for Public Officials, Konneh noted that the law strictly prohibits presidential appointees from engaging in partisan political activities or holding leadership roles in political parties.
The Code of Conduct also forbids contesting or canvassing for elective offices, serving on campaign teams for political parties or independent candidates, and utilizing government resources (such as vehicles, fuel, and facilities) to support political activities.
A Call for Consistent Standards
Senator Konneh, a key figure in the political coalition that brought the current administration to power, reminded his colleagues and the public that the fight for “Rescue” was rooted in institutional integrity.
“As public officials, we must hold ourselves to the same standards we once demanded of others,” Konneh urged, adding that constructive criticism should not be mistaken for hostility. “Many of us supported change because we believed Liberia deserved stronger institutions, accountability, and equal application of the law.”
Senate Inquiry Looming
To move beyond public debate and into official oversight, Konneh revealed his plans to summon the CSA Director-General before the Senate plenary. The inquiry will focus on the extent of Joekai’s compliance with the Code of Conduct—a move that could set a critical precedent for how the Boakai administration manages the separation of state functions from partisan politics.
“For Liberia to be better, the law must remain supreme over personalities and politics,” Konneh concluded.
Senator Konneh’s statement comes a day after Bong County District #3 Representative Marvin Cole called for the immediate dismissal of the CSA DG, as pressure continues to mount over his participation in the NIMBO launch.
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