Unity Party Rescue Alliance’s Supporter Slams NTA Deputy MD Over Remarks at Bus Dedication in Monrovia

A staunch supporter of the Unity Party’s Rescue Alliance and son of Bomi County, Sekou Zena, has condemned the Deputy Managing Director for Operations at the National Transit Authority, Noah Z. Gibson, over what he described as “reckless, divisive, immature and irresponsible” comments made during a public ceremony.

Zena’s statement comes after the official dedication of 20 new minibuses and 5 cargo trucks at the NTA recently.  Gibson was listed on the program to deliver the vote of thanks.

According to Zena, Gibson deviated from his assigned role and instead used the platform to throw political jabs at government officials who attended the event.

“I am surprised to see officials of government moving with people who mismanaged the affairs of the NTA and shamelessly came to see the good work we are doing here,” Gibson was quoted as saying at the ceremony.

“You know me, I can’t see, so I don’t care who is looking at my face. I will say the rest on my show at 8 pm tonight.”

Zena said the remarks left parts of the audience “in dismay” and undermined the purpose of the program, which was to showcase improvements in public transportation.

“I am calling on Gibson to see the opportunity given to him by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai as a step to listen, learn and grow, rather than attacking professionals who are far above his academic qualifications and experience,” Zena said in a statement issued over the weekend.

Zena, who said he was speaking as a grassroots mobilizer for the Alliance, cautioned Gibson, whom he noted had not previously held a senior managerial position in government, against using public office for “political revenge.”

“Liberia is a country of laws,” Zena said. “You have the resources, political will, and everything you need to go after anyone whom you think did anything wrong with public funds. Take your evidence to court if you have facts of any official’s financial misconduct or malfeasance. Stop the bluff and carefree comments. Use the law if you have facts to your baseless allegations.”

He further argued that the Unity Party’s victory was “the result of consolidated Alliance forces and the people of Liberia,” not individual commentary.

“Instead of you fighting for a job on the ground at 77 to advocate for your people, you chose to sit in a comfortable job to benefit you and your family,” Zena added, referring to the Unity Party Headquarters on 77th Street in Monrovia. Today you are pretending to be an advocate for public service while scores of persons with disabilities are going to bed hungry.”

Zena is now calling on President Boakai to “examine the performance of some officials, which is key to keeping the Alliance together for 2029” and to reassign those “bent on damaging the regime’s reputation, as nothing lasts forever.”

The Rescue Alliance was the coalition of political parties and civic groups that backed President Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung to victory in the 2023 Presidential Election.

The Unity Party led the alliance, with strong support credited to the Western Region, including Bomi, Cape Mount and Gbarpolu Counties.

The NTA, Liberia’s state-run public transport entity, has been central to the administration’s promise to ease transportation costs in Monrovia and surrounding counties.

The newly commissioned fleet of minibuses and cargo trucks is intended to expand routes and support logistics for government operations.

Since taking office in January 2024, Boakai’s Administration has repeatedly called on appointees to prioritize service delivery and national unity over partisan rhetoric, especially as the government prepares for the 2029 elections.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach Gibson and the NTA Management for comment up to press time were unsuccessful.