MONROVIA – The Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., has sharply rebuked Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh over what he described as “misleading attacks, deception, and deliberate distortions” concerning his appearance at the launch of the National Independent Movement for Boakai (NIMBO), a political movement spearheaded by Lofa County Representative Thomas P. Fallah.
In a strongly worded statement, Dr. Joekai accused Senator Konneh of spreading false and misleading information regarding his role, conduct, and legal standing as head of the Civil Service Agency.
The CSA boss specifically rejected comparisons made between him and former National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) Director-General Emma Metieh Glassco, describing the comparison as “false, misleading, and intellectually dishonest.”
According to Joekai, Glassco occupied a tenure-protected position under a different legal framework, while he serves as a presidential appointee operating within a separate administrative structure.
Dr. Joekai further emphasized that he is not a civil servant and therefore is not governed by civil service restrictions applicable to career government employees.
“I am not a civil servant,” he asserted, describing Senator Konneh’s allegations as “deceptive and utterly erroneous.”
The CSA Director-General also clarified that although he is not a registered member of any political party, he retains his constitutional right to politically support candidates or national leaders of his choosing.
Addressing criticism surrounding his attendance at the recent NIMBO program, Joekai argued that the event was held on a Sunday and did not interfere with official government business or violate any existing law.
He accused Senator Konneh of engaging in what he termed a sustained campaign of “bitterness, hostility, and relentless attacks” against officials associated with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration.
Rejects Claims of Political Persecution
Dr. Joekai also dismissed assertions that employees of the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and other public institutions were disciplined solely because of their political affiliations.
According to him, disciplinary measures taken against certain public employees were based on repeated misconduct, insubordination, dissemination of false information, public insults, and violations of professional ethics and administrative standards.
“No serious government anywhere tolerates indiscipline and coordinated attacks from individuals serving within its own institutions,” Joekai stated.
He further highlighted ongoing reforms being implemented at the Civil Service Agency under his leadership, noting that efforts to restore professionalism, accountability, efficiency, and integrity within Liberia’s public sector are beginning to gain recognition both nationally and across the African continent.
The CSA Director-General concluded by reaffirming his commitment to public service reform despite growing political criticism.
“No amount of political hostility or misinformation will distract me from advancing meaningful public service reforms for the benefit of our nation,” he declared.
Konneh Warns Against Political Retaliation
Dr. Joekai’s response follows recent comments made by Senator Amara Konneh, who cautioned against what he described as Liberia’s longstanding culture of political retaliation and partisan victimization whenever power changes hands.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, the Gbarpolu County Senator reflected on Liberia’s political history and urged both ruling and opposition politicians to stop targeting public officials and ordinary citizens because of their political affiliations.
“There is nothing new in Liberia except the history you don’t know or the one you conveniently forget to benefit your actions,” Konneh wrote.
The former Finance and Development Planning Minister argued that political parties in Liberia often pursue power primarily for self-interest rather than national transformation.
“Political parties seek power only for their own benefit. The goal of power is power itself,” he stated. “And when power shifts, what makes us think it won’t follow the same pattern again?”
Concerns Over Alleged Double Standards
Senator Konneh also questioned what he described as possible double standards in enforcing government conduct policies.
According to him, some officials serving under the Unity Party-led administration have openly participated in pro-government political activities and worn party regalia without facing disciplinary action.
“Today, we notice some UP government officials and civil servants, including the Director-General of the CSA, wearing regalia in support of President Boakai,” Konneh stated.
“I wonder what will happen to their jobs and livelihoods when power changes again,” he added.
The controversy appears linked to recent activities surrounding the launch of NIMBO, a pro-Boakai political movement that has attracted participation from several government officials, political allies, and supporters of the ruling establishment.
The growing public exchange between Senator Konneh and Dr. Joekai has since sparked wider debate over politics, neutrality, public service conduct, and the role of government officials in partisan political activities ahead of Liberia’s future electoral contests.
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