By Alexander Nyeneken
–For Saying They Will Die in Their Poverty
Monrovia, Liberia – The Deputy Director for Operations at the National Transit Authority, NTA, Noah Gibson has apologized following backlash over a controversial statement he made to a female caller during the Night Line program on state radio.
The incident occurred on September 8, 2026, during a political discussion in which the female caller reportedly said she would support former President George Weah in the 2029 presidential election.
In response, the NTA official was heard telling the caller, “That’s how you will die in poverty.”
The comment subsequently circulated on social media, attracting criticism from members of the public who described the statement as inappropriate, particularly coming from a senior government official engaging a citizen over her political choice.
In a statement issued following the controversy, the NTA Deputy Director Noah Gibson apologized over the remark.
He said the apology followed counsel from pastors, friends, and relatives, adding that, as a Christian, he believes people should be willing to listen to their leaders when they offer advice.
According to Gibson, apologizing does not take anything away from him, stressing that he is willing to acknowledge the situation and make amends.
However, the NTA official also criticized some media institutions for what he described as biased coverage of the incident.
He appealed to those institutions that helped circulate the video in what he considers a negative manner to also give his apology similar publicity.
The official expressed hope that his apology would go viral across media platforms.
The controversy has meanwhile sparked renewed conversations about political tolerance and responsible public speech, particularly among government officials and other public figures participating in radio discussions.
As Liberia moves toward the 2029 elections, the incident adds to ongoing calls for political actors, public officials, and citizens to respect differing political opinions and avoid language that could be interpreted as threatening, insulting, or discriminatory.
