MONROVIA, Liberia – The Chaplain-General of the Liberian Senate, Apostle Sagacious A. Jallah, on Friday honored Civil Service Agency (CSA) Director-General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr. for what he described as exemplary leadership and commitment to reforming the country’s civil service.
The recognition ceremony, held at the Civil Service Agency headquarters in Congo Town, has attracted interest because it came at a time when Dr. Joekai remains at the center of a political controversy following action taken by the Senate.
While senators Thursday concluded that his conduct warranted executive intervention, the Senate’s Chaplain Department has celebrated his leadership, highlighting what it called his dedication to institutional reforms and improved public service delivery.
Presenting the award, Apostle Sagacious A. Jallah praised Dr. Joekai’s stewardship of the Civil Service Agency, saying the reforms being introduced under his administration are gradually transforming Liberia’s public workforce into a more productive and professional institution.
He also offered prayers for the CSA Director-General, describing him as a public servant whose efforts deserve national recognition.
“The transition that I’m seeing is something that encouraged me to come and express my appreciation, present this recognition, and offer a prayer because there are individuals whose dedication deserves to be recognized,” Apostle Jallah said. He added that many Liberians continue to admire both the work of the Civil Service Agency and the leadership being demonstrated by Dr. Joekai.
The honor comes as Liberia prepares to celebrate its 179th Independence Day on July 26. Apostle Jallah said the occasion should serve as a reminder for Liberians to embrace unity, patriotism, and national development while recognizing individuals making meaningful contributions to strengthening public institutions.
The recognition follows an action by the Liberian Senate, which summoned Dr. Joekai to appear before plenary over his participation at a NAMBO program.
Senators argued that the platform constituted a political gathering and expressed concern that the head of the Civil Service Agency — an institution expected to maintain political neutrality within the public service — should not have participated in an event they viewed as politically inclined.
During the hearing, lawmakers questioned whether his appearance violated the ethical standards expected of the head of the country’s civil service.
Following its deliberations, the Senate recommended that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai consider suspending or removing Dr. Joekai from office. Senators maintained that public officials entrusted with safeguarding the neutrality of Liberia’s civil service must avoid activities capable of creating the perception of political partisanship. The recommendation has since been forwarded to the President, who is expected to make the final decision on the matter in accordance with his constitutional authority.
Despite the Senate’s recommendation, Friday’s recognition by the Senate’s Chaplain Department projected a contrasting perspective, with Apostle Jallah emphasizing Dr. Joekai’s achievements rather than the controversy surrounding his appearance on the NAMBO program.
The development has fueled discussions over the differing views emerging from within the broader Senate establishment regarding the CSA Director-General’s performance.
Receiving the honor, Dr. Joekai expressed gratitude and said the recognition came as a complete surprise.”This truly came as a surprise to me. I am deeply emotional because I never expected such an honor, nor the powerful wording and inscription on this plaque,” he said.
Dr. Joekai described the award as a symbol of patriotism and encouragement for both himself and employees of the Civil Service Agency. He pledged that the institution would remain committed to implementing reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability, and efficiency throughout Liberia’s public service.
The ceremony ended with prayers led by Apostle Jallah and Bishop Dr. E. Reuben Logan II of the Apostolic Outreach Church International, who accompanied the Senate Chaplain during the presentation. The two religious leaders prayed for Dr. Joekai, the Civil Service Agency, and Liberia, expressing hope that ongoing reforms would contribute to stronger public institutions and national development even as the President considers the Senate’s recommendation regarding the CSA Director-General’s future.
