BY: PRINCE WEALTHY MATHIAS NAGBE
IPNEWS: Presidential hopeful Retired Captain Jerry Kollie has cautioned the Government of Liberia against what he describes as a growing practice of dismissing public officials only to later reappoint them to government positions.
Kollie said the practice raises concerns about accountability, transparency, and the credibility of decisions made by the government. He argued that public appointments and dismissals should be based on clearly established standards, professional competence, integrity, and the overall interest of the Liberian people.
According to the presidential hopeful, repeatedly removing and reinstating officials without providing clear explanations can create uncertainty within government institutions and undermine public confidence in the administration.
He maintained that government positions are public trusts and should not be treated as political rewards or instruments for settling internal differences.
Kollie further called for greater transparency in the appointment and removal of public officials, urging the government to communicate clearly with citizens whenever major personnel decisions are made.
He said a credible system of governance requires consistency and accountability, particularly when decisions involve senior officials entrusted with managing public resources and implementing national policies.
The presidential hopeful also stressed the importance of strengthening Liberia’s institutions rather than allowing political considerations to dominate public-sector appointments.
“Government must establish a culture in which competence, integrity, and service to the Liberian people are the primary considerations for holding public office,” Kollie said.
His comments come amid broader public discussions about government appointments, dismissals, and the management of Liberia’s public institutions.
Kollie urged the administration to ensure that any official removed from office is afforded due process and that any subsequent decision to reinstate or reappoint such an individual is supported by a transparent and defensible rationale.
He said Liberia’s democratic progress depends not only on elections but also on the strength of its institutions and the public’s confidence in the way government operates.
As the country continues to debate its political and governance priorities, Kollie’s warning places renewed attention on the need for transparent personnel decisions and a public service system capable of maintaining professionalism regardless of political changes.
The presidential hopeful called on Liberians to remain engaged in discussions about good governance and to demand greater accountability from those entrusted with public authority.
