Gbarnga – Former Bong County Representative and current National Chairman of the National Patriotic Party (NPP), Atty. George S. Mulbah, has expressed strong disapproval of President Joseph Boakai’s continued appointment of Officers-in-Charge (OICs) to head major public institutions, describing the practice as unconstitutional and a direct violation of the Liberian Constitution.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FrontPageAfrica, Mulbah said the President’s decision to maintain unconfirmed individuals in positions of authority for extended periods undermines the constitutional role of the Legislature and weakens Liberia’s democratic governance.
He stressed that while the Constitution grants the President the authority to make appointments, such appointments are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate to ensure proper vetting and accountability.
Mulbah argued that the use of the term “Officer-in-Charge” does not exist anywhere in the Constitution and that the President has no legal basis to allow such individuals to occupy critical public offices for more than a few months without Senate approval.
He noted that the practice erodes the principle of checks and balances and poses serious accountability risks for the management of public resources.
According to Mulbah, “There is no Officer-in-Charge in our Constitution. The President has the right to make temporary appointments, but those appointments should not exceed two or three months. Keeping people in such positions for over a year without confirmation undermines the role of the Legislature.”
He referenced several government institutions currently being managed by Officers-in-Charge, including the Governance Commission, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA), the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
Mulbah questioned who holds such unconfirmed officials accountable if they engage in wrongdoing, emphasizing that the absence of legislative oversight exposes these institutions to potential abuse of power. He argued that the President’s decision to retain such appointees for long periods contradicts the “organic and supreme law of the land” and is an attempt to bypass the constitutional confirmation process.
“The Constitution is the organic law of this country. The President cannot usurp the authority of the Legislature by appointing people who are not subject to public scrutiny,” he stated. He warned that if the situation continues, he will write the Legislature to take action and compel the President to comply with the constitutional requirement for confirmation.
Mulbah added that Liberia’s democracy is built on the separation of powers, and any attempt by the Executive Branch to exercise the authority of the Legislature poses a threat to good governance and accountability.
At the same time, the former Bong lawmaker praised the government’s ongoing efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse, particularly commending the work of the interim leadership at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency. He described their community engagement strategy as effective in discouraging illegal drug activities.
“The war on drugs is progressing,” Mulbah said. “You see fewer young people, especially the so-called zogos, on the streets because the DEA’s current leadership is engaging the communities. That is laudable, and I commend the President for that.” He, however, reiterated that while the interim LDEA leadership is performing well, the President should move quickly to confirm a permanent team through the appropriate legislative process.
Mulbah also commented on recent economic developments, particularly the reduction in the prices of essential commodities such as rice and petroleum products. He admitted that he initially doubted the government’s ability to lower prices but later acknowledged that the reductions were real and should be appreciated.
“When the government said the price of rice would go down, I thought it was a joke,” he said. “But a few days ago, my son went to buy rice, and we saw the difference. We must thank the government for that effort.” He added that considering the global challenges caused by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the government deserves credit for stabilizing commodity prices.
On diplomatic relations, Mulbah welcomed the recent decision by the United States government to extend the validity of visas issued to Liberians from one year to three years. He described the move as a positive signal of renewed confidence in Liberia’s governance and international image. “That is a good sign,” he noted.
“It shows that the international community recognizes our progress in maintaining democratic governance and the rule of law. We must commend the government for this diplomatic achievement.”
However, Mulbah cautioned against excessive partisanship and tribalism in the President’s appointments. He criticized what he described as the tendency of the ruling Unity Party to favor individuals from the President’s own circle and county, urging inclusiveness in national governance.
“The government should not be formed on the basis of tribe or party,” he warned. “If the President cannot find people within his circle, he can look across the country. Liberia has competent citizens everywhere.”
Addressing infrastructure concerns, Mulbah reflected on President Boakai’s campaign promise that “no car will get stuck in the mud” during his administration. He noted that while the statement was likely figurative, there are still visible road challenges in rural parts of the country. He acknowledged, however, that the government has made progress in road construction, particularly in major corridors connecting counties.
“The President’s statement was more of a figurative expression,” Mulbah said. “Cars still get stuck in the mud, especially in lowland areas, but there have been visible improvements on major highways.”
In response to questions about his personal political relationships, Mulbah downplayed speculations that his support for Bong County Senator Prince Moye in 2020 has not been reciprocated through a government appointment. He clarified that there was no agreement between him and Senator Moye that guaranteed him a position in government and that their relationship remains friendly and professional.
“When I supported Senator Moye, there was no contract that said when he wins, he must appoint me. Ours is a friendship based on mutual respect,” Mulbah explained. He added that he remains independent, self-sufficient, and not dependent on political favors to sustain himself or his family.
Looking ahead to the 2029 elections, Mulbah said his political decisions will depend on the circumstances at that time. He expressed no resentment toward anyone in government but emphasized the need for leaders to respect the Constitution and act in the interest of all Liberians. “Politics is about the people, not personal benefits,” he added.
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