By Stephanie M. Duncan
The Director General of the Civil Service Agency of Liberia, Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr., has strongly responded to recent criticisms by Senator Amara Konneh, accusing the lawmaker of spreading misinformation and making politically motivated attacks against him and officials associated with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.’s administration.
In an official statement, Dr. Joekai described Senator Konneh’s comparisons between his role and that of former Liberia Telecommunications Authority boss Emma Glassco as “false, misleading, and intellectually dishonest.”
According to Joekai, the legal and administrative circumstances surrounding Madam Glassco are entirely different from his own position as a presidential appointee serving at the discretion of the President.
“Madam Glassco occupied a tenure position governed by distinct legal and policy limitations,” Joekai stated. “I, on the other hand, serve as a political appointee at the will and pleasure of the President of the Republic of Liberia and have not violated any laws.”
The CSA boss further rejected allegations that he violated civil service regulations, emphasizing that he is not a civil servant but a political appointee tasked with managing the civil service sector.
“Civil service regulations are binding on civil servants, not political appointees,” he argued, calling claims against him “dishonest, deceptive, and completely erroneous.”
Dr. Joekai also denied belonging to any political party in Liberia, while maintaining that, as a citizen, he has constitutional rights to support candidates of his choice during elections.
He defended his attendance at a recent event in Nimba County, saying his participation occurred on a Sunday and did not interfere with his official duties.
“My attendance, like many other officials of government at the NIMBO event, was entirely within my constitutional rights as a Liberian citizen,” he noted.
The CSA Director General accused Senator Konneh of engaging in what he termed “bitterness, hostility, and relentless attacks” against individuals connected to the Boakai administration.
“A sitting Senator should elevate public discourse and contribute constructively to national dialogue, not promote resentment, personal vendettas, and politically motivated misinformation,” Joekai asserted.
Responding to claims regarding disciplinary actions involving employees of the Monrovia City Corporation, Joekai denied that the measures were politically driven. He said the actions stemmed from misconduct, violations of workplace standards, and behavior inconsistent with public service ethics.
“No serious government anywhere in the world tolerates indiscipline, abuse, and coordinated attacks against public institutions by individuals simultaneously serving within those same institutions,” he said.
Dr. Joekai used the statement to highlight ongoing reforms at the Civil Service Agency, including efforts to improve professionalism, accountability, governance systems, and efficiency across public institutions.
He claimed the reforms are already producing “measurable national impact” and receiving recognition both in Liberia and across Africa.
Despite the controversy, Joekai said he remains focused on national service and committed to advancing reforms within Liberia’s public sector.
“No amount of political hostility or misinformation will distract me from the important work of advancing meaningful public service reforms for the benefit of our nation and its people,” he concluded.
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