The recent outburst by former Speaker and opposition lawmaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa against the Oranto Petroleum Agreement has reignited public debate over the growing influence of political bitterness in Liberia’s governance discourse.
It can be recalled that former Speaker Koffa launched a strong critique of the Atlas Oranto Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), warning that its ratification could endanger Liberia’s petroleum sector and national interests.
In a Facebook post, the Grand Kru County District #2 Representative threatened to file an injunction against the Oranto Deal, arguing that Section 17 of the agreement is illegal and questioning why the Ministry of Justice had not taken action.
However, Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala, Founder of the Centrism Movement and Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Liberia, has described Koffa’s comments as an unfortunate example of selective morality and political opportunism.
According to him, Koffa’s new-found outrage contrasts sharply with his past behavior during his tenure as Deputy Speaker, when he presided over and supported several investment agreements that were far less transparent than the current Oranto Deal.
“It is deeply hypocritical for someone who actively endorsed questionable contracts while in power to suddenly become an anti-corruption crusader after losing political relevance,” Gbala remarked.
He recalled that Koffa’s private law firm, the International Law Group, provided legal services for some of the same transactions that he now criticizes.
Analysts believe Koffa’s statements are motivated more by personal frustration than genuine concern for national interest. His pattern of commentary, they argue, reflects a tendency among some political elites to shift positions depending on who occupies state power.
Such behavior seems to weaken the credibility of public discourse and discourage the kind of balanced leadership Liberia urgently needs.
Gbala emphasized that patriotism cannot be built on resentment. “True patriots help strengthen the country’s institutions even when they disagree with those in authority. They do not tear down national progress to score political points,” he said.
He called for a return to centrist leadership values that prioritize the nation above party, progress above pride, and truth above propaganda.
He said Liberia’s development depends on leaders who promote accountability and cooperation rather than hostility and misinformation.
According to him, Liberia’s path forward lies in dialogue, transparency, and unity. “Liberia deserves honest and visionary leadership, not bitterness disguised as patriotism,” he said. “The country will only move ahead when political leaders focus less on personal power and more on the collective good of the Liberian people.”