The Director General of the Civil Service Agency Dr. Josiah F Joekai Jr. has sharply responded to allegation linking him to nepotism by Spoon Tv live publication.
In his assertion he described the media publication from Spoon TV as sensational , grossly misleading and far from the reality.
According to him, these allegations are not only false but also calculated to undermine the credibility of the ongoing reform efforts at the CSA and his personal integrity as a public servant.
Responding separately to the claim, Dr. Joekai explained that the facts, which are verifiable and undeniable including
On Mrs. Joana Domingo-Joekai, he narrated that when he was appointed Director-General of the CSA in March 2024,
He returned to Liberia with his wife, Joana D. Joekai, and his three sons from the United States.
“This decision, commended by His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., was both patriotic and sacrificial, as my wife left her thriving nursing career in the U.S.”, he added.
Mrs. Joekai he indicated is a highly trained professional with over 18 years of nursing and leadership experience, holding a BSN in Nursing (Honors) from Avernia University and an MSN in Nurse Leadership from Chamberlain University.
Moreover, he explained that Mrs. Joekai has worked in some of the world’s leading healthcare institutions, including Columbia University/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Harlem Medical Center, and Montefiore Medical Center, in critical nursing and leadership roles.
Disclosing further, he pointed out that her recruitment to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFKMC) was based solely on merit and Liberia’s urgent need for her expertise.
” Since joining JFKMC, she has been instrumental in transforming nursing services across its three hospitals (E J Grant, Maternity Center, and Referral), bringing measurable improvements that benefit the Liberian people and suggesting that her professional contributions are due to nepotism undermines both her qualifications and the progress at JFKMC”, he re-emphasized.
On Mr. Zarbalee “ZB” Woiwor Contrary to SPOON TV LIVE’s claims, Mr. Woiwor, he stressed has no family relationship with him, whatsoever.
“My family roots are in Salayea and Zorzor, while his are entirely distinct, hailing from Voinjama District.
Mr. Woiwor’s promotion followed the resignation of my former Special Technical Assistant, Roger Abim-Karmon, who left for a Chief of Staff position at the National Lottery Authority.
“As the appointing authority, I exercised my prerogative to promote Mr. Woiwor, who had already proven himself through his exceptional work in employment services and his elevation was purely professional and performance-based contrary to Spoon’s publication, he noted.
Responding also to Mulbah K. Yorgbor’s family ties with him, Dr. Joekai clarified that such is another falsehood to suggest that Mr. Yorgbor is l his cousin.
He disclosed that the Joekai and Yorgbor families have no connection.
At the same time he stated that Mr. Yorgbor, a seasoned professional with a strong track record in the National Legislature, the Tertiary Education sector, and the Liberia Maritime Authority, was brought in as Director of Reforms and Project to replace my Principal Deputy, Darlington A. P. Smith, upon his appointment by the President as Deputy Director General for Human Resources and Policy.
According to him, Yorgbor’s professional competence is a matter of public record, and his contributions to reform at the CSA are visible and impactful.
“On Mr. Victor Kpatakollie, Mr. Kpatakollie and I are not family. We grew up as childhood friends and shared experiences during the Liberian civil war, but our families share no blood ties. His extensive security background in the United States made him an ideal candidate to lead CSA’s security reform. Since his appointment, he has introduced critical measures, including hand scanners, radios, uniforms, and training programs, which have greatly enhanced CSA’s security operations”, he further clarified.
The CSA Boss said that the bigger truth is clear indicating that these allegations are part of a smear campaign by those who resist change.
He stressed that the reforms he and his team at the CSA are implementing are centered on meritocracy, accountability, transparency, and efficiency, are unprecedented.
According to him, such disrupt entrenched interests and expose inefficiencies, which explains why malicious actors resort to lies, fabrications, and propaganda.
Despite smell allegations and planned distraction, Dr. Joekai maintain that he remains unwavering in his commitment to reform.
” No amount of slander, falsehood, or personal attack will deter me from serving Liberia with honesty, courage, and patriotism”, he re-emphasized.
He reassured the public that the Civil Service Agency will continue to be guided by professionalism, integrity, and the national interest.
“I urge the public to judge us by our tangible reforms, improved systems, and the measurable progress being made, rather than by baseless rumors designed to derail our transformation, Liberia deserves better, and I am committed to delivering that better future”, he maintained.
