Boye Kokoi, a former staff member of the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), has accused President Joseph Boakai’s government of political retribution following his dismissal. Kokoi, currently in exile in Ghana, says his firing was politically motivated due to his affiliation with the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the party of former President George Weah.
Kokoi asserts that his dismissal and eight other MCC employees were based on false allegations that they had insulted President Boakai. He denies any misconduct and claims there is no evidence to support the accusations. According to Kokoi, his dismissal was orchestrated by Josiah Joekai, Director of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), due to longstanding political disagreements. He has publicly challenged Joekai and Siafa to present evidence linking him to any derogatory comments about the president.
Kokoi described the situation as a “deeply troubling experience,” marked by personal attacks, political persecution, and threats to his livelihood. He says the environment in Liberia became so hostile that he had to flee to Ghana, leaving his children behind. Kokoi criticized the Boakai administration for what he sees as divisive practices, arguing that instead of fostering unity, the government is silencing dissenting voices, especially those with ties to the opposition.
The controversy surrounding the dismissal of Kokoi and his colleagues has raised concerns about free speech and political tolerance in Liberia. Some dismissed employees claim that they were targeted for supporting the CDC during the 2023 elections. The employees, including Kokoi, have vowed to seek legal redress and challenge their dismissals in court. They argue that their termination violates Liberia’s constitution, specifically the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act on free speech, which protects criticism of public officials as a democratic right.
This incident has ignited a broader debate over the state of political freedoms under the Boakai administration. Critics argue that the government’s actions risk undermining Liberia’s democracy and reversing progress on freedom of expression
Liberian-born Emmanuel Orlind Cooper is an accomplished multimedia journalist with extensive experience covering news and stories on a variety of media platforms. Orlind's work frequently demonstrates his profound grasp of the region and its complexity, given his Liberian heritage.
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