Civil Service Agency (CSA) Director General Josiah F. Joekai has issued a blistering response to what he calls “misleading attacks and deliberate distortions” by Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh, escalating a growing political feud between the two officials.
In a strongly worded statement, Dr. Joekai accused Senator Konneh of spreading falsehoods about his role, conduct, and authority as head of the CSA. He dismissed the Senator’s comparison between him and former NaFAA boss Emma Glassco as “false, misleading, and intellectually dishonest,” arguing that Glassco held a tenure position while he serves as a political appointee who operates under a completely different legal framework.
Joekai emphasized that he is not a civil servant and therefore not bound by civil service regulations, calling Konneh’s claims “deceptive and utterly erroneous.” He also clarified that he is not a member of any political party, though he maintains the constitutional right to support candidates of his choice.
Addressing criticism of his attendance at a recent NIMBO event, Joekai said the gathering occurred on a Sunday and did not violate any law or interfere with his duties. He accused Senator Konneh of fueling “bitterness, hostility, and relentless attacks” against individuals aligned with President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
The CSA boss also rejected Konneh’s assertion that employees of the Monrovia City Corporation were disciplined for political reasons. According to Joekai, the actions taken were based on repeated misconduct, public insults, dissemination of false information, and violations of professional standards.
“No serious government anywhere tolerates indiscipline and coordinated attacks from individuals serving within its own institutions,” he stated.
Joekai highlighted ongoing reforms under his leadership aimed at restoring professionalism, accountability, and efficiency within the public service—efforts he says are gaining recognition across Liberia and the African continent.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to national service, adding, “No amount of political hostility or misinformation will distract me from advancing meaningful public service reforms for the benefit of our nation.”
