By Godgift Harris
The Vice President for Technical Services at the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), Rixck W. Barsi-Giah, has come under public enquiry.
This followed comments he made cautioning former President George Weah over his recent political message as Liberia approaches the 2026 political season.
Barsi-Giah warned that the country’s political environment in 2026 would be “markedly different,” and therefore, urged Mr. Weah to exercise restraint and responsibility in his public statements.
He specifically criticized the use of religious platforms for political messaging, alleging that recent remarks attributed to Weah were delivered in church settings.
“As a former President, and an influential public figure, he must be careful with his words and actions,” Barsi-Giah said.
He told journalists in Monrovia that he had privately advised Weah whom he referred to as his “big cousin” to appoint a competent and experienced Chief of Office Staff to manage his public communications, and provide strategic guidance.
Barsi-Giah argued that the growing politicization of churches poses risks to both religious institutions and public discourse.
He warned that using pulpits for political messaging could mislead congregants, undermine the spiritual purpose of churches, and erode public trust.
According to him, religious spaces should not be used to promote misinformation or unverified claims, as such actions conflict with Christian values of truth and integrity.
Although Weah is constitutionally barred from seeking another presidential term, Barsi-Giah encouraged that his continued political influence requires a heightened sense of responsibility, particularly when commenting on governance and state institutions.
He cautioned that turning religious gatherings into platforms for partisan criticism of the government could inflame political tensions, and provoke unnecessary confrontation.
While referencing biblical teachings, Barsi-Giah said Christianity condemns falsehood, and places a premium on truthfulness.
He further alleged that two videos circulating on social media contain misleading information attributed to Mr. Weah, though he did not provide specific detail or independent verification of the claims.
As of press time, Weah had not publicly responded to the encouragement from the government official.
However, Barsi-Giah’s comments have drawn criticisms from segments of the public,
With many questioning whether a senior official of NOCAL should be engaging in overt political commentary, specifically advising Mr. Weah on his political future.
Critics argue that NOCAL, as a state-owned enterprise, is assigned to manage the energy interests, and attract investment. Therefore, it should not be drawn into political disputes.
Some commentators have called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to review the conduct of officials they alleged, are using public institutions to advance political positions or take sides in national debates.
They insist that NOCAL is neither a political battleground nor a forum for partisan reactions, but a strategic institution tasked with strengthening investors’ confidence in the energy sector.
The controversy has reignited broader concerns about the politicization of public institutions and the delicate balance senior government officials must maintain between expressing personal views, and upholding the responsibilities of public office.