By Amos Harris
MONROVIA – Rixck W. Barsi-Giah, the Vice President for Technical Services at the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), has come under intense public scrutiny following cautionary remarks directed at former President George Manneh Weah. The comments, which focused on Weah’s political messaging ahead of the 2026 political season, have sparked a heated debate regarding the role of state officials in partisan discourse.
Speaking to journalists in Monrovia, Barsi-Giah warned that the country’s political environment in 2026 would be markedly different from previous years. He urged the former President to exercise greater restraint and responsibility in his public statements, specifically criticizing what he described as the use of religious platforms for political messaging. Barsi-Giah alleged that several recent remarks attributed to Weah were delivered within church settings, a practice he claimed undermines the sanctity of religious institutions.
The NOCAL executive emphasized that as an influential public figure, the former President must remain mindful of his words and actions. Barsi-Giah further revealed that he had privately advised Weah—whom he referred to as his “big cousin”—to appoint a competent and experienced Chief of Staff. Such an appointment, he argued, would help manage the former President’s public communications and provide necessary strategic guidance during a sensitive political era.
Barsi-Giah contended that the growing politicization of churches poses significant risks to both religious integrity and public discourse. He warned that using the pulpit for partisan agendas could mislead congregants and erode public trust in spiritual leadership. According to the Vice President, religious spaces should remain dedicated to spiritual growth rather than being utilized to promote unverified claims or misinformation, which he noted conflicts with core Christian values of truth and integrity.
Although former President Weah is constitutionally barred from seeking another term in office, Barsi-Giah maintained that the former leader’s continued political influence necessitates a heightened sense of responsibility, particularly when commenting on governance and state institutions. He cautioned that turning religious gatherings into forums for partisan criticism could inflame political tensions and provoke unnecessary social confrontation. Referencing biblical teachings, Barsi-Giah noted that Christianity condemns falsehood and prioritizes truthfulness. He also cited two videos circulating on social media which he alleged contain misleading information, though he did not provide specific details or independent verification for these claims.
As of press time, former President Weah had not publicly responded to the remarks. However, Barsi-Giah’s comments have themselves drawn significant backlash from the public. Many Liberians are now questioning the propriety of a senior official from a state-owned enterprise engaging in such overt political commentary.
Critics argue that NOCAL is a strategic institution mandated to manage Liberia’s energy interests and attract international investment, and therefore should not be drawn into political disputes. Some commentators have gone as far as calling on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to review the conduct of officials who use their public offices to advance political positions. They insist that NOCAL must remain focused on strengthening investor confidence in Liberia’s energy sector rather than serving as a platform for partisan reactions. This controversy has reignited a broader national debate concerning the politicization of public institutions and the delicate balance senior officials must maintain between their personal views and their professional responsibilities.
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