With le than 72 hrs following a pubic outburst by Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh publicly accusing Civil Service Agency (CSA) Director-General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr. of exploiting public office for partisan political gain and enforcement of double standards.
The conflict erupted after Dr. Joekai was seen actively participating in a weekend political rally while wearing regalia supporting President Joseph Boakai.
Senator Konneh shared side-by-side images comparing Dr. Joekai in pro-Boakai movement t-shirts next to former National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) boss Emma Glassco, who was previously forced out and penalized by the Boakai administration for wearing opposition colors during the 2023 elections.
Senator Konneh previously slammed the Civil Service Agency for firing government personnel unaffiliated with the ruling Unity Party—specifically Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) employees—under the guise of “insulting leaders” on social media. He argued that using state power to target employees for political affiliation while top officials openly display partisanship creates an atmosphere of retribution.
In his public statements, Konneh noted: “In my country Liberia, history never repeats itself. Liberians always do… The goal of power is power itself. What do you do with it while you have it?”
In response to the public outcry, Dr. Josiah Joekai issued a blistering statement defending his actions and hitting back at the Senator:
Joekai dismissed Konneh’s comparisons as “intellectually dishonest,” arguing that Emma Glassco held a tenure-protected position, whereas he is a political appointee serving at the pleasure of the President and is not legally bound by the same civil service restrictions.
He asserted that attending the political gathering occurred on a Sunday and did not violate any laws or interfere with his official duties.
The CSA boss accused Senator Konneh of spreading misinformation, distortion, and harboring “bitterness” and “hostility” toward officials aligned with the current administration.
“I have taken note of the recent public attacks and misleading assertions made by Senator Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County regarding my person, professional conduct, and role in government. While I ordinarily choose to remain focused on service delivery and national reforms rather than political distractions, it has become necessary to correct the deliberate distortions and false equivalencies being promoted in the public space, especially by a sitting Senator.
First and foremost, Senator Konneh’s attempt to compare the circumstances surrounding Madam Emma Glassco to my role and responsibilities as Director General of the Civil Service Agency is completely false, misleading, and intellectually dishonest.
Madam Glassco occupied a tenure position governed by distinct legal and policy limitations. 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. These are fundamentally different legal and administrative frameworks that cannot reasonably or credibly be compared.
Additionally, I am not a civil servant, I am a political appointee with the mandate to head and manage the civil service. Civil service regulations are binding on civil servants, not political appointees. So, the claims that I violated civil service regulations are utterly dishonest, deceptive, and completely erroneous.
For the record, I am not a member of any political party in Liberia. Although I have chosen not to do so at this point, it is however my right guaranteed by the constitution of Liberia. Like many Liberians, I have exercised my constitutional right as a citizen to affiliate with and support candidates during elections based on personal convictions and national interests. Such support does not constitute formal political party membership. At no point have I used the Civil Service Agency or my official position to engage in partisan political activities, nor have I violated any law, regulation, or provision of the Code of Conduct governing Presidential appointees.” Dr. Joekai clarifies.
The CSA Boss further stated that his attendance, like many other officials of government at the NIMBO event on Sunday, not a week day, was entirely within my constitutional rights as a Liberian citizen and did not interfere with or compromise my official responsibilities, stressing that Liberia remains a democratic state governed by law, and no citizen should be criminalized or politically attacked for exercising lawful constitutional freedoms.
“What is most disappointing, however, is the growing pattern of bitterness, hostility, and relentless attacks by Senator Konneh against individuals associated with or supportive of the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
A sitting Senator should elevate public discourse and contribute constructively to national dialogue, not promote resentment, personal vendettas, and politically motivated misinformation. The Senator’s claim that employees of the Monrovia City Corporation were disciplined for political reasons is entirely false and deceptive. His claim has no iota of truth.
Those actions were taken strictly on the basis of repeated misconduct, violations of standards of conduct, sustained public insults against government officials, dissemination of false information, and behavior inconsistent with the ethics and professionalism expected of public servants. No serious government anywhere in the world tolerates indiscipline, abuse, and coordinated attacks against public institutions by individuals simultaneously serving within those same institutions.
As Director General of the Civil Service Agency,
I remain committed to restoring discipline, professionalism, accountability, integrity, and efficiency within the public service. Under my leadership, the CSA has undertaken significant reforms aimed at strengthening governance systems, modernizing public sector administration, improving employee accountability, and ensuring greater professionalism across government institutions. These reforms are producing measurable national impact and gaining recognition both within Liberia and across the African continent.
Disagreement with government policies or decisions should never justify distortion of facts or personal attacks against individuals who are serving their country with diligence and integrity. Liberia’s democracy will only advance through responsible leadership, truthfulness, fairness, and constructive engagement.
I remain fully focused on my national responsibilities and unwavering in my commitment to serve the Liberian people with professionalism, patriotism, humility, and dedication. 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.” Dr. Joekai statement concludes
