‘I’ll Fight to Protect My Character’ -NaFAA Former Boss Vows Unravelling Logic of Her Suspension

On day one of President’s Joseph N. Boakai’s inauguration, some even contend that during the transitional period, loyalists of the Unity Party unleashed a fight for the post of Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) as was the case with other tenured posts. The only armor and shield that gave the sitting DG a breathing space so that she was not immediately axed on day one was the fact that international partners, who commonly believe in her capacity in making the formerly moribund institution into a worldclass state-owned enterprise, jettisoned the agitators into submission. And for a ruling party which came to state power with an insatiable appetite for job, along with the proportional tactics to crush nonconformists, the embattled DG’s shield was not to last; it was subsequently broken, and the partners had no choice but to recoil. But Emma Metieh-Glassco would not let her sweat and blood imputed into NaFAA tortuous transformation spill on silver platter just like that. Responding to allegations of bad behavior and corruption used by her accusers as alibi for her ouster, she is vowing to clear her name. The Analyst reports.     

Emma Metieh-Glassco is standing firm on her stance after being suspended as the Director General of National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA).

She emphasizes the importance of protecting her character but has decided not to pursue legal action against the President’s decision.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr, on Thursday, February 13, suspended with immediate effect Madam Emma Metieh-Glassco, Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NAFAA), as  recommended by the NAFAA Board of Directors pending further investigation by the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).

In a communication to Mrs. Glassco, the President outlined the Board’s resolution, which calls for her suspension due to managerial and financial inefficiencies. This recommendation is in accordance with Section 3.9.2 of the Act that established the Authority.

Furthermore, the President also referenced a communication from the Office of the Ombudsman, which recommended Mrs. Glassco’s suspension and investigation based on allegations of insulting behavior.

This conduct, considered unbecoming of a public official, was reportedly exhibited during an official investigation meeting. The Ombudsman’s recommendation is based on Section 11.10 of the Code of Conduct Act.

President Boakai has urged the suspended Director General to fully cooperate with the investigations in order to address the concerns raised.

However, Madam Glassco says she is surprised by the allegations, especially considering the positive outcome from her last audit. If the General Auditing Commission (GAC) gave her the second-best opinion and did not flag any financial financial inefficiencies.

She noted: “I am deeply concerned about the motivations behind the decision and the impact it has on my reputation.”

Glassco was speaking on OK FM Thursday. She seems to acknowledge that there may be a need for authorities to do their job, but she’s drawing a line at what she views as a defamation of her character.

Her frustration seems to stem from the potential harm to her reputation without yet clear evidence of wrongdoing.

According to her, she is determined to protect her integrity, especially when faced with such serious accusations that she feels are being mishandled. 

At the same time, Glassco has committed to availing herself to the process and ensuring the allegations are thoroughly addressed. Her determination to clear her name shows she’s resolved not to let the matter fade without proper scrutiny.