-Senate’s Chaplain Honors Him
The Liberian Senate’s Chaplain General, Apostle Sagacious A. Jallah, has bestowed an honor on the embattled Civil Service Agency, CSA, Director General, Josiah Joekai, for what he says is his exemplary leadership style and commitment in reforming Liberia’s civil service.
Apostle Jallah’s official and clerical recognition of the CSA boss is an apparent disagreement with the Senate’s call for Joekai’s dismissal on allegation of violation of the code of conduct.
Mr. Joekai fell into trouble with the Senate from the day he publicly wore the t-shirt of NIMBO, a political organization seeking the re-election of President Joseph Boakai in the pending 2029 elections.
His alleged action, according to the Senate, has grossly violated the National Code of Conduct that establishes ethical standards for all public officials to prevent conflict of interest, bribery and the misuse of government’s assets.
Apostle Jallah bestowed the honor on the CSA Director General at the CSA’s headquarters in Congo Town at a time Joekai remains at the center of a political controversy following the Senate’s call for his immediate dismissal.
The Senate last Thursday concluded that the CSA DG’s conduct warrants executive intervention.
Presenting the award, Apostle Sagacious A. Jallah praised Dr. Joekai’s stewardship of the Civil Service Agency, saying the reforms being introduced under his administration are gradually transforming Liberia’s public workforce into a more productive and professional institution.
He also offered prayers for the CSA Director-General, describing him as a public servant whose efforts deserve national recognition.
“The transition that I’m seeing is something that encouraged me to come and express my appreciation, present this recognition, and offer a prayer because there are individuals whose dedication deserves to be recognized,” Apostle Jallah said. He added that many Liberians continue to admire both the work of the Civil Service Agency and the leadership being demonstrated by Dr. Joekai.
The honor comes as Liberia prepares to celebrate its 179th Independence Day on July 26. Apostle Jallah said the occasion should serve as a reminder for Liberians to embrace unity, patriotism, and national development while recognizing individuals making meaningful contributions to strengthening public institutions.
The recognition follows an action by the Liberian Senate, which summoned Dr. Joekai to appear before plenary over his participation at a NAMBO program.
Senators argued that the platform constituted a political gathering and expressed concern that the head of the Civil Service Agency — an institution expected to maintain political neutrality within the public service — should not have participated in an event they viewed as politically inclined.
During the hearing, lawmakers questioned whether his appearance violated the ethical standards expected of the head of the country’s civil service.
Following its deliberations, the Senate recommended that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai consider suspending or removing Dr. Joekai from office. Senators maintained that public officials entrusted with safeguarding the neutrality of Liberia’s civil service must avoid activities capable of creating the perception of political partisanship. The recommendation has since been forwarded to the President, who is expected to make the final decision on the matter in accordance with his constitutional authority.
Despite the Senate’s recommendation, Friday’s recognition by the Senate’s Chaplain Department projected a contrasting perspective, with Apostle Jallah emphasizing Dr. Joekai’s achievements rather than the controversy surrounding his appearance on the NAMBO program.
Senators argued that the platform constituted a political gathering and expressed concern that the head of the Civil Service Agency — an institution expected to maintain political neutrality within the public service — should not have participated in an event they viewed as politically inclined.
During the hearing, lawmakers questioned whether his appearance violated the ethical standards expected of the head of the country’s civil service.
Following its deliberations, the Senate recommended that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai consider suspending or removing Dr. Joekai from office. Senators maintained that public officials entrusted with safeguarding the neutrality of Liberia’s civil service must avoid activities capable of creating the perception of political partisanship. The recommendation has since been forwarded to the President, who is expected to make the final decision on the matter in accordance with his constitutional authority.
