By Grace Q. Bryant
The Office of the Ombudsman in Liberia has issued a five-day ultimatum for presidential appointees to adhere to the law or face consequences, including removal from office following due process.
The Ombudsman’s Executive Director, Findley Karnga emphasized that the defiance breaches Section 5.k(a) and (b) of the Code, which prohibits appointed officials from engaging in political activities or using government resources to support partisan agenda.
“All officials appointed by the President of Liberia shall not engage in political activities, canvass or contest for elected offices, or use government facilities, equipment, or resources in support of partisan or political activities,” the section reads.
The office of the Ombudsman revealed that 22 presidential appointees, who also hold positions within political parties, have refused to resign one of their posts, violating the nation’s Code of Conduct.
Meanwhile, Cllr. Karnga disclosed that the office had written to 26 government officials, reminding them of Section 5.1(a) of the Code of Conduct for public officials.
The section mandates that presidential appointees either step down from their political party roles or relinquish their government positions.
While four of the officials complied with the directive, 22 remain defiant, continuing to serve in both capacities.
The Ombudsman reiterated the importance of upholding the Code of Conduct as a measure to ensure the separation of public service and political activism.
The ultimatum comes in the wake of efforts by the recently commissioned Ombudspersons to monitor and enforce adherence to the Code, which is a critical part of President Joseph Boakai’s governance reforms aimed at promoting transparency and accountability within the government.
Those who complied with the directive include Dixon Tamba and Kundukai Jalibah, both Deputy Commissioner Generals at the Liberia Immigration Service, Leon Talery, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Richard Huff, Deputy Director at the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC).
These officials submitted their resignations from their political party positions and provided evidence of compliance.
The Ombudsman urged the remaining officials to comply promptly, warning that failure to do so would result in immediate action under Section 5.9 of the Code, which allows for the removal of officials found guilty of violations after a due process review.
Officials have been instructed to submit their proof of resignation either through email to the Ombudsman’s office or deliver physical evidence to the Governance Commission in Monrovia.
This development underscores the ongoing efforts of the Office of the Ombudsman to enforce accountability and prevent the blending of political activities with governmental services in Liberia.
