MONROVIA – Senator Nya D. Twayen of Nimba County, a senior figure in the ruling Unity Party (UP), has sharply criticized the recent dismissals of employees at the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and the Civil Service Agency (CSA) by Mayor John-Charuk Siafa and CSA head Josiah Joekai. In a Facebook post on August 15, 2024, Senator Twayen demanded the immediate reinstatement of the affected civil servants, condemning the misuse of Section 4.2.2 of the CSA Standing Order. He described this section as flawed and outdated, previously misapplied by past administrations and now used to justify actions that undermine fundamental civil liberties.
Senator Twayen’s criticism centers on the argument that no law or standing order should compromise the constitutional right to free speech for Liberians. He highlighted the fact that the CSA Standing Order had not been updated in 12 years, with the last revision occurring in 2012. Twayen pointed out that the order, which was established before the widespread use of social media, lacks provisions to address modern issues related to digital communication. He advocated for a thorough review and update of the order to include guidelines specifically addressing social media use, reflecting its impact on contemporary work environments.
The dismissals, which political opponents allege as a witch hunt and a calculated effort by the Executive Branch to remove opposition members from the Unity Party administration, followed a recent CSA verification exercise. This exercise uncovered significant discrepancies in attendance records across various government departments. The CSA’s analysis led to the suspension of 388 employees, with some being dismissed and others receiving reduced salaries. The government projects substantial savings from these measures, estimating a monthly saving of approximately US$373,449.58, totaling US$804,632.20 for the remainder of 2024. This initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline government payrolls and eliminate ghost employees, aiming to free up resources for salary improvements and more efficient allocation of public funds.
At the MCC, the controversy intensified when Mayor Siafa dismissed nine employees, including Richard Singbeh, Alpha G. Gray, and Boye Kokoi. These dismissals were reportedly due to their dissenting opinions against President Joseph Boakai’s administration. The actions have fueled allegations that Mayor Siafa, who is rumored to be related to President Boakai, is targeting political opponents rather than addressing genuine administrative issues. Critics argue that this practice sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing dissent within government institutions.
The dismissals have sparked a significant public outcry, with many viewing them as an abuse of power and a threat to democratic principles. Civil society groups, including the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), have strongly condemned the actions. Anderson D. Miamen, CENTAL’s Executive Director, criticized the dismissals as “ill-advised” and indicative of a broader intolerance within the Boakai-Koung administration. Miamen emphasized that civil servants should be able to express their opinions without fear of retribution and warned that affected employees might seek legal recourse if their dismissals are not reversed.
The controversy surrounding the dismissals highlights ongoing tensions between administrative reforms and the protection of individual rights. Senator Twayen’s call for the reinstatement of the dismissed employees reflects broader concerns about the balance between effective governance and the preservation of civil liberties. The debate stresses the need for a nuanced approach to reform that respects constitutional rights while addressing inefficiencies in the civil service.
As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor how the government responds to these criticisms and whether there will be further revisions to the CSA Standing Order. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the future of civil service management in Liberia and the protection of fundamental rights within the public sector.
