By Lincoln G. Peters

Capitol Hill, July 17, 2026 – Liberia’s Civil Service Agency Director General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai faces possible dismissal after a Senate committee found him guilty of violating the country’s code of conduct for public officials.

 The report from the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petition, which was endorsed by the Plenary of the Liberian Senate, recommends the dismissal or suspension without pay of the CSA boss on Thursday, July 16.

The report found Dr. Joekai in violation of the National Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees, a breach that carries severe administrative sanctions under Liberian law.

The Committee’s report, read before the Senate on July 16, states that the complaint against Dr. Joekai was substantiated. It cited evidence showing that the NIMBO gathering he attended was a partisan event aimed at promoting the reelection of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.

The report further noted that Dr. Joekai voluntarily attended the event, wearing the political organization’s official attire, thereby engaging in partisan activity explicitly prohibited by the Code of Conduct.

In his defense, Dr. Joekai argued that he only accompanied the President. However, the Committee concluded that this did not exempt him from the Code’s requirements, emphasizing that public officials are obligated to remain neutral, regardless of the company they keep at political events.

The Committee underscored the importance of political neutrality in the Civil Service, stating that those administering the agency must strictly adhere to the Code.

The Committee’s report urged the plenary to affirm its findings and recommended appropriate administrative action against Dr. Joekai for the violation.

It further called on President Boakai to impose sanctions in line with the National Code of Conduct and other applicable laws.

Recommended sanctions range from a formal written reprimand and suspension without pay to outright dismissal, depending on the President’s assessment of the severity of the misconduct. The report will be transmitted to the President for further action.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh, who alleged that Dr. Joekai participated in a political event organized by the National Independent Movement for Boakai (NIMBO), a group backing President Boakai’s reelection. The movement was established by Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah.

The Senate Plenary referred the complaint to its Judiciary Committee for investigation and recommendation.

Dr. Joekai appeared before the Committee on July 1, 2026, where he was given the opportunity to respond to the allegations. The Committee also reviewed social media posts, press reports, and other evidence related to the event.

With the Plenary’s endorsement, the report will now be sent to President Boakai for a final decision on the matter.