MONROVIA — The Judiciary Watch of Liberia, a civil society organization dedicated to promoting judicial integrity and accountability, has petitioned the Liberian Senate to urge President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to suspend or dismiss government officials indicted by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the General Auditing Commission (GAC).
In its petition dated October 21, 2025, Judiciary Watch described the government’s failure to act against the accused officials as a troubling sign of “bad governance” that undermines public confidence in the administration’s fight against corruption. The document was addressed to Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and Senator Darius Dillon, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Executive Director Korva M. Jorgbor, who signed the petition, said the organization was deeply concerned that indicted officials are still performing critical financial and administrative duties within their institutions. “It is unfortunate to know that President Boakai has not taken any administrative decisions against the indicted officials; rather, they are still serving in their respective positions and executing major functions such as withdrawing and disbursing funds,” Jorgbor wrote.
According to Judiciary Watch, the continued employment of these officials poses a direct threat to Liberia’s governance framework and compromises the integrity of the ongoing legal proceedings. The organization stressed that the Senate must exercise its constitutional oversight powers to ensure full compliance with the laws of the Republic.
The petition highlights two high-profile corruption cases currently under prosecution: the LACC’s indictment of officials from the Gbarpolu County Administration and the Lofa County University. Both cases involve multiple counts, including economic sabotage, theft of property, misapplication of entrusted property, and criminal conspiracy.
In Gbarpolu County, Superintendent Sam K. Zinneh, former Superintendent J. Keyah Saah, Fiscal Superintendent Anthony Yorkor, and former Project Management Committee Chairperson Robert Benda are facing trial before the 16th Judicial Circuit Court. The group is accused of mismanaging development funds and engaging in acts of corruption that violated national financial regulations.
Similarly, the LACC has indicted Dr. Isaac P. Poday, President of Lofa County University, alongside Rev. G. Victor Padomore, Annie Markele Flomo, Peter Taylor, Mr. Catakaw, and C. Caryton. They are charged under Chapter 15 of the Penal Law, which deals with corruption and financial crimes.
Judiciary Watch noted that the continued presence of these officials in public office during their trial undermines the credibility of the legal process and contradicts the Boakai administration’s much-publicized Rescue Agenda, which emphasizes transparency, accountability, and institutional reform.
“We strongly believe that if the indicted officials remain in office while appearing in court to exonerate themselves, it will undermine the integrity of the hearing and the ruling,” Jorgbor stated. He added that Liberia’s anti-corruption institutions must not be weakened by political considerations or selective justice.
The petition also cited multiple provisions of Liberian law, including the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, the Public Financial Management (PFM) Regulations, and Chapter 15 of the Penal Law, which collectively hold public servants accountable for mismanagement, abuse of office, and financial misconduct.
Jorgbor referenced Part III, Section 3.5 of the Code of Conduct, which stipulates that public officials are personally liable for actions that harm the government or the public interest. He also cited Part VIII, Section 8.3, mandating that public resources must be used strictly in accordance with financial laws and regulations.
Additionally, the petition invoked Section 14.1 of the Code of Conduct, which outlines disciplinary measures for misconduct, and Subsection A.20(3) of the PFM Regulations, prescribing penalties ranging from suspension to prosecution for financial malpractice.
“For the interest of good governance, accountability, and the rule of law, we call on the Liberian Senate to mandate President Boakai to immediately suspend the indicted officials pending the outcome of the court ruling,” the petition emphasized.
Jorgbor further warned that the Boakai administration risks losing both domestic and international credibility if it fails to act decisively. He said Liberia’s global partners expect the current government to demonstrate moral authority by holding officials accountable, consistent with President Boakai’s pledge to restore integrity in governance.
In closing, Judiciary Watch reminded the Senate of its duty to “review, monitor, and supervise the activities of executive institutions to ensure compliance with national laws and policies.” The organization attached its business registration certificate to validate its legal standing and urged lawmakers to act swiftly.
