MONROVIA – Assistant Professor of Law at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia, Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala, has strongly defended his public support for selected government reforms, declaring that Liberia’s national development must take precedence over party allegiance and post-election political divisions.
Speaking on Wednesday, January 14, 2025, on Joy FM’s Let’s Talk Liberia program, Cllr. Gbala said his stance is guided by what he described as a centrist political philosophy that prioritizes policies and actions that advance the country’s interests, regardless of which political party is in power.
“Governance should not be a zero-sum game,” Cllr. Gbala said. “It should not be because my party did not win the election that I must deny progress or refuse to acknowledge positive steps being taken.”
The former campaign spokesman of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) explained that centrism does not mean silence in the face of corruption, injustice, or underdevelopment, stressing that constructive criticism must go hand in hand with recognizing genuine progress.
“There are things you cannot be balanced on, like rape, corruption or underdevelopment,” he said. “But balance means you are not rigid to the point where nothing good can come from the other side.”
Cllr. Gbala disclosed that the Liberia Political Centrist Movement, which he helps to lead, was formed after the 2023 elections following consultations among professionals from law, academia, engineering, and business who were concerned about deepening political polarization in the country.
He clarified that the movement is political in nature but is not a political party and has no intention of seeking registration with the National Elections Commission. “We are not a civil society organisation,” he said. “We are political, but we are not seeking to become a political party. Our interest is to reduce polarisation and support progress.”
Responding to claims that the movement is a platform for personal political ambition, Cllr. Gbala dismissed the allegation, stating that it is governed by a collective leadership structure and guided by national interest rather than electoral calculations.
During the interview, he pointed to what he described as tangible signs of progress under President Joseph Boakai’s administration, citing developments in foreign policy, infrastructure planning, and public sector reforms as areas that deserve objective assessment.
He specifically praised Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, referencing Liberia’s election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, improved diplomatic relations with the United States, and the securing of new international financing agreements.
“That appointment was statesmanship,” Cllr. Gbala said, referring to President Boakai’s decision to appoint a former presidential rival as foreign minister. “It was about competence, not politics.”
Addressing criticisms linked to a recent NEMO report on campaign promises, Cllr. Gbala argued that the findings had been taken out of context. “Most development projects are multi-year,” he said. “When you look at what is completed and what is ongoing, close to half of the commitments are in motion. Saying ‘only nine per cent completed’ without context distorts reality.”
On discussions surrounding the International Monetary Fund, Cllr. Gbala rejected claims that Liberia had been formally warned over its development agenda. “The IMF raised caution, not condemnation,” he said. “They are technocrats speaking to technocrats, advising the government to plan carefully and strengthen domestic resource mobilisation.”
He welcomed the government’s proposed national infrastructure conference, calling for a coordinated approach that extends beyond roads to include water and sanitation, transport systems, ports, and digital infrastructure as part of a holistic national development strategy.
Cllr. Gbala also weighed in on the controversial ports decentralisation bill vetoed by President Boakai, stating that while the objective was valid, the process was flawed. “Decentralisation is important, especially for counties outside Monrovia,” he said. “But overlapping mandates, transition issues and poor coordination must be addressed properly.”
Rejecting suggestions that his position amounts to party disloyalty, Cllr. Gbala insisted that supporting policies that benefit Liberians is consistent with the founding ideals of the CDC. “Political parties are formed to serve the people, not to glorify individuals,” he said. “If a kilometre of road is paved, it is paved. You cannot deny that because of party colour.”
He concluded by making clear that he has no intention of joining the ruling Unity Party but will continue to support any initiative that improves the lives of Liberians. “At this stage of my life, it is country first,” Cllr. Gbala said. “Whoever moves Liberia forward will have my support. Elections will come again, but development cannot wait.”
