MONROVIA – Korva M. Jorgbor, an eminent son of Lofa County, has formally called on President Joseph N. Boakai to suspend top officials of Lofa County University who are facing criminal charges for alleged administrative malpractices and corruption. In a letter dated September 9, 2025, addressed to Hon. Samuel A. Stevquoah, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Jorgbor expressed serious concerns over the continued service of the indicted officials while their case is before the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court of Lofa County.
The letter identifies the accused officials as University President Dr. Isaac P. Poday, Board Chairman Rev. G. Victor Padomore, Co-Chair Madam Annie Markele Flomo, Comptroller Mr. Peter Taylor, Vice Principal for Administration Mr. Catakaw, and Administrative Assistant Mr. C. Caryton. The indictment was issued by the Ministry of Justice through the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
Jorgbor outlined that the officials are facing multiple criminal charges, including Economic Sabotage, Theft of Property, Misapplication of Entrusted Property, Criminal Conspiracy, and Conflict of Interest. According to the state indictment, the officials violated several sections of the New Penal Law of Liberia, including Chapter 15, Sections 15.80, 15.81, and 15.82.
Highlighting the risk to judicial integrity, Jorgbor stressed that keeping the indicted officials in office while appearing in court could undermine the proceedings. “Their stay in office might have compromised the integrity of the hearing and the court ruling,” he wrote, urging immediate suspension pending the outcome of the case.
The letter also appeals directly to the officials to voluntarily recuse themselves during the prosecution process, warning that failure to do so could similarly undermine the credibility of the court’s decisions.
Jorgbor reinforced his appeal by citing the Code of Conduct for public officials and the Public Financial Management (PFM) Regulations. Part III, Section 3.5 emphasizes accountability, requiring public officials to be personally responsible for acts that cause substantial damage or violate public interest. According to Jorgbor, the LACC and General Auditing Commission reports indicate that the actions of the indicted officials resulted in significant financial losses for the government.
Further, Part IV, Section 4.2 mandates that all public officials uphold the laws and lawful instructions of the state, while Part VIII, Section 8.3 demands adherence to budgetary and financial regulations. Jorgbor noted that the indicted officials breached these regulations, particularly in the management of public funds entrusted to their care.
Part XIV, Section 14.1 of the Code of Conduct stipulates that violations trigger disciplinary processes, while Part A.20 of the PFM regulations outlines potential sanctions for financial misconduct. These measures range from written or oral reprimands to suspension, demotion, interdiction, dismissal, surcharging, or prosecution, depending on the severity of the breach.
The appeal letter underscores that suspension aligns with the principles of good governance, including accountability, transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness. Jorgbor urged the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs to ensure the President acts swiftly to uphold these principles.
Jorgbor emphasized that this case represents an important test of Liberia’s commitment to fighting corruption under President Boakai’s administration and the successful implementation of the government’s RESCUE Agenda.
He stressed that suspension of the indicted officials is not only legally justified but necessary to protect the integrity of both the university and the judicial process. The continued operation of the officials in their positions could compromise transparency and public confidence in the university’s administration.
The letter also serves as a warning to other public officials, signaling that adherence to legal and ethical standards is mandatory, and that violations will have consequences under the PFM and Code of Conduct regulations.
By formally requesting suspension, Jorgbor places the responsibility squarely on the President and his Minister of State for Presidential Affairs to take decisive administrative action. This step is seen as crucial to reinforcing rule of law and ethical governance across Liberia’s public institutions.
The call for suspension has drawn attention to systemic challenges in public sector accountability, emphasizing that legal processes must be supported by administrative decisions to prevent conflicts of interest and safeguard public resources.
Jorgbor concluded his appeal by urging urgent and timely intervention from the Presidency, stressing that proactive action would demonstrate a commitment to integrity, good governance, and the fight against corruption at all levels of government.
