Monrovia-Director-General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NAFAA), Emma Matieh Glassco has been fighting tool and nail to be spared from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s roaring axe of removing or suspending tenured officials.
A little over a year in the position under the Unity Party administration, what she tried to resist has finally come her way in the wake of her suspension by the Liberian leader.
By her suspension yesterday, Madam Glassco has finally joined the long list of suspended officials of government by the Liberian leader – some on account of malfeasance, administrative reasons or alleged corruption.
Glassco’s suspension comes a day after President Boakai suspended several officials of his government for non-compliance with assets declaration requirement, a significant step in the fight against graft.
Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah, who made the pronouncement at MICAT’s press briefing Thursday said her suspension is on account of allegations of financial and administrative inefficiencies.
Piah said the President acted based on recommendations from NAFAA’s Board, which accused Glassco of violating the act that governs the institution.
Further complicating matters, the Office of the Ombudsman reportedly flagged concerns over Glassco’s leadership style, describing her approach as “insultive.” These concerns, according to the Minister, played a role in the President’s decision to suspend her.
Minister Piah, citing the President’s suspension letter, stated that Glassco is expected to cooperate with an ongoing investigation into the allegations against her.
Former Central Bank of Liberia Governor, Aloysius Tarlue, former Financial Intelligence Agency Director Stanley Forh, former Director and Deputy Director of the Drugs Enforcement Agency, former heads of the LRRRC, former Assistant Information Minister Matthew Nyenplue and many others encountered President Boakai’s suspension wrath over the last months. It is seen as the President’s way of getting rid of officials accused and guilty of wrongdoings in the discharge of their official functions.
Just as other former or other suspended officials did not make back in government or to their original positions, it is likely Madam Glassco reign at the NAAFA has come to an end.
She has been at the center of controversy or the president eyes have been on her since assuming office one year ago, as she did everything within her powers, including meeting with the Liberian leader at some point time in his office.
The suspended NAAFA Director General who was appointed by former President Weah was accused of misusing donors’ funds on projects not intended for.
