“An Ombudsman’s success depends on trust and alignment with leadership,” remarked Professor PLO Lumumba, a distinguished Kenyan lawyer, professor, and political activist, during a sideline discussion with Cllr. Finley Y. Karngar, Chairperson of Liberia’s Office of the Ombudsman, on May 7, 2024, at the Judges Conference near Monrovia. Lumumba’s insight underscored a critical need for the fledgling Office of the Ombudsman in Liberia to build a strong foundation by closely aligning its mission with the vision of President H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
The Judges Conference, which convened leading African legal professionals, was graced by the presence of Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh, and other eminent legal minds from Liberia and the continent. Professor Lumumba, who delivered a stirring keynote on judicial integrity and constitutional protection, seized the opportunity to engage directly with Liberia’s newly established Ombudsman office.
During the dialogue, Lumumba stressed that the Ombudsman’s mandate to foster transparency and accountability could only thrive if it operates in tandem with the President’s broader governance agenda. He cautioned Cllr. Karngar to focus on achievable, high-impact projects that would gradually build credibility.
“Do the little ones. Don’t focus on ambitious projects that might fail,” he advised. “Think big, but be rational.”
The establishment of Liberia’s Office of the Ombudsman, operational for less than a year, is a significant step toward institutionalizing ethical governance. Created to investigate, enforce, and monitor adherence to Liberia’s Code of Conduct, the office plays a pivotal role in promoting transparency and combating misconduct. Since its inception, Cllr. Karngar has been at the helm, seeking partnerships and engaging stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness. His meeting with Lumumba was part of a broader effort to learn from seasoned anti-corruption champions and strengthen the office’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
Professor Lumumba, who formerly led Kenya’s Anti-Corruption Commission, shared valuable lessons from his experience, emphasizing that early wins could bolster public trust in the institution. His practical advice on stakeholder engagement and gradual project execution resonated well with Cllr. Karngar, who affirmed his commitment to ensuring the Ombudsman Office remains a beacon of accountability in Liberia.
“Engaging thought leaders like Professor Lumumba is crucial as we lay the groundwork for a more transparent Liberia,” Cllr. Karngar noted. “Our office must not only enforce but also educate and inspire trust among the public.”
The conference also provided Cllr. Karngar with an opportunity to network with legal actors from across Africa, sharing experiences and best practices in judicial integrity. The exchange of ideas underscored the shared struggle across the continent against corruption—a theme that featured prominently in Lumumba’s address to judges, urging them to guard against the creeping menace of judicial corruption.
As Liberia charts a new path in ethical governance, partnerships and insights from experienced anti-corruption advocates like Professor Lumumba are invaluable. The Office of the Ombudsman remains steadfast in its mission to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance.
This landmark dialogue signals the beginning of deeper regional cooperation and learning as Liberia’s Ombudsman Office grows into its role. The future of transparency and justice in Liberia looks promising, with continued stakeholder engagement and a clear focus on its mandate.
For more updates on the Ombudsman Office’s initiatives, visit our official website or follow us on social media.
