spot_imgspot_img
Thursday, December 12, 2024

MAYOR SIAFA AND CSA FACE INTENSE SCRUTINY OVER DISMISSAL OF CIVIL SERVANTS FOR POLITICAL RETALIATION

Date:

MONROVIA – The Executive Branch, through the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) headed by Mayor John-Charuk Siafa and the Civil Service Agency (CSA) led by Josiah Joekai, has come under heavy criticism for allegedly dismissing civil servants for political reasons. This controversy surrounds the recent termination of three employees—Richard Singbeh, Alpha G. Gray, and Boye Kokoi—who were dismissed for expressing dissent against the leadership of President Joseph Boakai.

The firings have sparked a public outcry, with allegations surfacing that Mayor Siafa, who is rumored to be related to President Boakai, is using his position to silence perceived political opponents within the MCC. It is alleged that those who voice opposition to the President’s administration are being unfairly targeted and dismissed.

This move has drawn sharp criticism from civil society and political figures, who view the dismissals as a dangerous precedent. The Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), Anderson D. Miamen, issued a stern rebuke, emphasizing the importance of protecting civil servants’ rights to free speech. “Dismissing people for exercising their rights to speak out or express themselves? Really?” Miamen wrote in a letter, calling the action “ill-advised” and a sign of intolerance within the Boakai-Koung administration.

Miamen further argued that civil servants who support the administration are allowed to do so without facing consequences, but those who criticize it are being labeled as political opponents. He urged the MCC and CSA to reverse the dismissals, warning that the affected employees could seek legal recourse.

Adding to the chorus of condemnation, Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon denounced the actions of the CSA, stating, “Recommending the dismissal of civil servants for voicing out on governance issues? Wrong move! Should not be encouraged!” Dillon’s comments reflect growing concern about the government’s commitment to upholding free speech and democratic values.

Journalist Charles Yates echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the Unity Party (UP), which came to power with promises of reform, should avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. “It was wrong yesterday, and it is wrong today,” Yates said. “CDC was dead wrong for going after people who disagreed with their government, and UP too is equally dead wrong for going after people who disagree with them.”

Former Representative Acarous Moses Gray also weighed in, accusing Mayor Siafa of violating the constitutional right to free expression. He criticized the Mayor for dismissing employees without following proper legal procedures. Gray emphasized that the Code of Conduct (COC) mandates the Office of the Ombudsman to handle such complaints, and that Siafa’s failure to follow this process constitutes a violation of the law.

Mayor Siafa, for his part, justified the dismissals by citing Section 6.2 of the Code of Conduct and Section 1508 of Liberia’s labor law, which allows for the dismissal of employees under certain conditions. However, critics, including Gray, argue that the 2015 Decent Work Act supersedes the labor law referenced by the Mayor and that his actions represent a misapplication of legal standards.

The controversy highlights broader concerns about the direction of governance under the Boakai administration. With many calling for a reversal of the dismissals, the situation continues to raise questions about Liberia’s commitment to democratic principles, particularly in the area of free speech.

As public scrutiny intensifies, the Boakai administration faces mounting pressure to demonstrate that it is not stifling dissent. Whether through legal challenges or policy changes, the future of these dismissals may set an important precedent for the protection of civil liberties in Liberia.

Socrates Smythe Saywon
Socrates Smythe Saywon is a Liberian journalist. You can contact me at 0777425285 or 0886946925, or reach out via email at saywonsocrates@smartnewsliberia.com or saywonsocrates3@gmail.com.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

EMBATTLED SPEAKER KOFFA TURNS TO SUPREME COURT AGAIN, FILES BILL OF INFORMATION

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The ongoing political crisis within Liberia's...

DR. NYAN UPDATES LIBERIANS ON MPOX, LASSA FEVER, AND ADVANCEMENTS IN PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS

MONROVIA – Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director-General of the...

LIBERIA’S CORRUPTION CRISIS DEEPENS AS TRANSPARENCY INT’L’S 2024 REPORT REVEALS PERSISTENT GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES

Liberia’s ongoing battle with corruption remains a considerable challenge,...

DID THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TWEH’S LEGAL OPINION RESOLVE OR ESCALATE THE HOUSE CONFLICT?

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The power struggle within the House...

DOES LIBERIA NEED CONSTITUTIONAL CLARITY?

The ongoing power struggle within the House of Representatives...

BOAKAI SIDESTEPS SPEAKER KOFFA: LOGICALITY OR PRECEDENT-SETTING BREACH?

President Joseph Boakai's decision to submit the 2025 draft...

A MILESTONE FOR LIBERIA’S HIGHER EDUCATION, BUT CHALLENGES REMAIN

The launch of Liberia’s first doctoral programs at the...

COMMENTARY

THE LASTING LEGACY OF PRINCE JOHNSON’S DEATH AND THE PATH FORWARD FOR LIBERIA

By Lyndon J. Ponnie, Sr. The passing of former Liberian...

PRES. BOAKAI’S LACK OF LEADERSHIP AND LIBERIA’S POLITICAL CRISIS

-A Commentary Joseph Boakai's failure to lead has once again...

THE MASS DISMISSAL OF LIBERIAN PUBLIC SERVANTS: A TROUBLING TREND UNDER THE BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION

A Commentary by Wondah L. Jah Since assuming the presidency,...

SECURITY RISKS: IS PRESIDENT BOAKAI UNKNOWINGLY SETTING THE STAGE FOR EARLY COUP D’ÉTAT?

In his commentary, Liberian political analyst Vandalerk R. Patricks...

LATEST NEWS

Share post:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

OPINION

LIBERIANS ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UP AND CDC

  An Opinion By Grace RK Guar Every six...

AMERICA’S NEGLECT OF LIBERIA: A CALL FOR CHANGE

An Opinion By Bishop Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr A...

AMID AN UNENDING WAR AGAINST POVERTY, INJUSTICES – HAS THE PROGRESSIVE STRUGGLE BECOME LOST IN TRANSLATION?

A Patriot's Diary With Ekena Wesley What manner of Liberian progressives...

HAS PRESIDENT BOAKAI’S GOVERNMENT BEGUN BEARING GOOD FRUITS? (PART1)

By Jacob N.B. Parley Following a careful reflection, I have...

ELEVATING THE AG BIBLE COLLEGE TO A UNIVERSITY: A MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT

By Jacob N.B. Parley After many years of successful preaching...

THE GALLERY

spot_imgspot_img

MORE ARTICLES

spot_imgspot_img

MORE NEWS

LATEST DEVELOPMENT NEWS

LATEST CRIME NEWS

Share via
Copy link