By Festus Poquie
In a concerning move that threatens the rule of law in Liberia, President Joseph Boakai has taken actions to dismantle key integrity and governance institutions in the country. This comes despite a clear Supreme Court ruling ordering the reinstatement of several officials occupying tenured positions.
The Supreme Court had previously ruled that Boakai, who is 79 years old, had violated the constitution by making nominations to these positions when the tenure of service of officials appointed by his predecessor had not expired. The Court noted that the officials were denied due process.
However, merely 48 hours after this ruling, President Boakai has removed the officials that were ordered reinstated, citing unspecified acts of corruption. He has also suspended the Chairperson and a Commissioner of the Governance Commission, establishing a committee to investigate them.
In a statement, the President’s office claimed that these actions demonstrate Boakai’s “commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that public officials adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct.” However, the decisions appear to directly contradict the Supreme Court’s binding judgment.
Boakai has also dismissed the entire Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, making interim appointments pending the outcome of a general audit. The President justified these moves as ensuring “continuity and stability” until the audit is completed.
Analysts and civil society groups have expressed grave concern over President Boakai’s apparent disregard for the independence of key institutions and the separation of powers enshrined in Liberia’s constitution. They warn that these actions risk undermining the country’s fragile democratic progress and accountability mechanisms.
