Published: April 8, 2026
MONROVIA – Former Representative Acarous Moses Gray has launched a scathing critique of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration, accusing officials of the ruling Unity Party of lacking independence and integrity, and branding them “BUKA” in what marks one of his sharpest public rebukes yet.
“Buka” is a Liberian parlance for a fish or a school of fish that can be easily swayed and led to doing anything to survive-an action that usually becomes detrimental to their survival and the thriving of their surrounding peaceably. The term, commonly used in local parlance, refers to individuals perceived as lacking firmness, integrity, or independent judgment—an accusation Gray said reflects broader governance challenges.
Speaking Tuesday, April 7, on Truth FM, Gray said the government has failed to live up to its promise to “rescue” Liberia, arguing that conditions for ordinary citizens have instead worsened. “They are the government that came to rescue but today the masses are suffering. The masses are crying,” Gray said.
Attack on Legislature and Governance
Gray directed much of his criticism at the Legislature, accusing lawmakers of abandoning their constitutional role and aligning too closely with the Executive. “The Speaker himself has said he is a regime speaker,” Gray claimed, warning that such posture undermines the principle of checks and balances and weakens legislative oversight. He argued that this alignment has allowed key national decisions to pass without adequate scrutiny.
‘BUKA’ Label and Governance Concerns
At the center of Gray’s criticism is what he described as a culture of political submission within the ruling establishment. “They are political ‘buka.’ They can be caught by anything in the ducor river,” he said.
Concerns Over Policy and Institutional Effectiveness
Gray also questioned the government’s approach to legislative and administrative reforms, warning that poor planning is rendering some public institutions ineffective. “If a department has no function under a new law, then it ceases to exist… those people will only be taking government money for nothing,” he said. He criticized lawmakers for failing to incorporate transition mechanisms in legislation to reassign affected workers, describing it as evidence of weak policy direction and lack of foresight.
Challenge to ‘Rescue’ Narrative
In a direct challenge to the Unity Party’s campaign message, Gray argued that the government’s “rescue” agenda does not reflect the lived realities of Liberians. He contrasted the current administration with that of former President George Manneh Weah, suggesting that despite criticism, the previous government delivered more visible social interventions.
Gray further accused the Boakai administration of reversing positions it once criticized, describing the shift as “the maximum level of hypocrisy.” “You criticized these things before, but now you are doing the same,” he said.
Questions Over Development Priorities
The former lawmaker also dismissed what he termed the government’s limited achievements, arguing that ongoing projects do not reflect meaningful national development. He pointed to minor infrastructure efforts and questioned constructions linked to the presidency, suggesting they fall short of addressing Liberia’s broader economic challenges. Gray’s remarks come amid growing political tension, as opposition figures intensify scrutiny of the Boakai administration’s performance and policy direction.
Discussion about this post