Africa-Press – Liberia. The Secretary General of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Jefferson T. Koijee, has accused President Joseph N. Boakai’s administration of engaging in “economic terrorism” through the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), alleging the government’s actions are designed to cripple Rep. Musa Hassan Bility and other private operators.
In a Wednesday post on his social media account, Koijee likened the administration’s tactics to political intimidation abroad, citing former U.S. President Joe Biden and conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Petroleum Pricing Dispute
The accusations follow President Boakai’s September 3 directive revising the petroleum pricing structure. LPRC subsequently slashed terminal storage fees from 35 cents to 0.2 cents per gallon, a move the administration said would make fuel more affordable and boost infrastructure revenue, particularly for the Road Fund.
Rep. Bility, however, blasted the measure as a violation of the Public Financial Management Act and an attempt to divert revenue from Liberian-owned terminal operators to the state refinery.
Allegations Against LPRC
Koijee, speaking from abroad, accused LPRC Managing Director Amos Tweh of violating constitutional and procurement laws. He cited Article 34(d) of the Constitution, which requires legislative approval for public borrowing, alleging Tweh unlawfully secured a US$9 million loan from Ecobank.
He further claimed LPRC is acting as both regulator and importer of petroleum products—“a blatant conflict of interest that erodes transparency and undermines fairness.”
Koijee described the revised pricing system as “predatory,” arguing it favors LPRC’s own imports while undercutting private competitors, which he said was part of a scheme to eliminate competition and consolidate state control.
Broader Criticism
Earlier this month, Koijee accused LPRC of conducting secret petroleum importation deals outside international tender processes. On Wednesday, he argued the administration’s actions undermine Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which calls for a private sector–led economy.
“How can the private sector thrive when the government acts as both referee and player?” he asked.
Koijee urged international bodies, including the European Union, African Union, ECOWAS, and the U.S. Embassy, to investigate what he called “organized economic gangsterism.”
“This is not just about politics; this is about the soul of our nation,” he added.
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