ANC and MPC Criticize President Boakai for Suspending Tenured Officials

ANC and MPC Criticize President Boakai for Suspending Tenured Officials.

The opposition parties, Alternative National Congress (ANC) led by Alexander B. Cummings and the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC) headed by businessman Simeon Freeman, have jointly criticized President Joseph N. Boakai’s recent decision to suspend government officials with tenured positions.

According to the ANC and MPC, the President’s actions contradict established governance principles. They have urged him to comply with a recent directive from the Supreme Court, which instructed the Executive Mansion not to interfere with tenured positions.

The Supreme Court’s ruling stemmed from President Boakai’s violation of the Liberian 1986 Constitution by nominating new officials before the terms of those appointed by his predecessor had ended, thereby denying them due process.

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, President Boakai suspended Edwina C. Zackpah, Israel Akinsanya, Zotawon D. Titus, James Gbarwea, and Osborne K. Diggs, who held positions including Chairperson and Commissioners of the LTA. The President cited allegations of questionable financial transactions and malpractices as the reason for their suspension.

The Executive Mansion released a statement announcing the President’s call for a comprehensive audit of the LTA by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to investigate the allegations. The suspended officials were urged to cooperate with the investigation.

The ANC and MPC insist that President Boakai follows the Supreme Court’s instructions. They urge the prompt reversal of the unjustified measures taken against the tenured officials and stress the necessity of adhering to legal procedures for any governmental personnel adjustments.

In a joint statement, MPC Political Leader Simeon Freeman expressed disappointment with the administration’s actions, likening them to gangster-style tactics and criticizing the disregard for democratic norms. He emphasized the necessity of upholding the rule of law and respecting the judiciary’s authority, especially in light of recent Supreme Court directives.

Freeman reiterated the opposition’s commitment to challenging such actions legally and politically to protect democracy and justice. Additionally, he condemned the excessive use of force by the police in Kinjor, Cape Mount County, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives, and called for justice and accountability.

The ANC and MPC affirmed their dedication to fairness, legality, and democratic governance, urging President Boakai to prioritize the best interests of all citizens to uphold a robust and unassailable democracy.