MONROVIA – In a stunning display of transparency, Representative Musa Hassan Bility has publicly explained his votes on key bills, breaking with tradition and setting a new standard for accountability in Liberian politics. This unprecedented move by the Nimba County representative and CMC leader is being hailed as a game-changer, prioritizing the needs of the people over personal interests. The Analyst reports.
Bility’s decision to speak out is not only a testament to his commitment to transparency but also a reflection of his innovative approach to politics, observers said, positing that by taking ownership of his votes and explaining his reasoning, Bility is setting a new standard for elected officials in Liberia.
He voted against the combined Total Energy and Oronto Bill, citing concerns over the Oronto Deal’s lack of clear plan for exploration and its business model.
Bility also voted against the National Budget, calling it a “consumption budget” that doesn’t improve ordinary Liberians’ lives. However, he supported the HPX deal, saying it’s in Liberia’s strategic interest.
Bility’s bold move is not limited to his votes, a close confidante said. “He’s also building bridges and roads in his district using personal funds, demonstrating his commitment to delivering tangible benefits to constituents”.
This approach reflects his vision for governance – prioritizing practical solutions and people-centered development.
In a statement the Representative of District 7, Nimba County, released a statement explaining his votes on several major instruments, including the Total Energy Bill, the Oronto Deal, the HPX agreement, and the National Budget.
He said: “I voted against the combined Total Energy and Oronto Bill and for the HPX Bill,” Bility said. “It is necessary to state the reasons for my votes today, which were taken in good conscience and based on what I believe to be the best interest of the Liberian people.”
Bility expressed disappointment that the Total Energy Bill was bundled with the Oronto Deal, constraining him to vote against the combined instrument. “I would have supported the Total Energy Bill if it had been brought separately,” he said.
Regarding the Oronto Deal, Bility stated, “I remain firmly opposed to the Oronto deal because it has no clear plan for exploration and Otranto’s business model is simply to acquire our asset and flip it for profit.”
Bility also voted against the National Budget, calling it a “consumption budget” that does not improve the lives of ordinary Liberians. “At $1.2 billion, it remains a consumption budget and not a transformational one,” he said.
However, Bility supported the HPX deal, saying it is in Liberia’s strategic interest. “This agreement is not simply about extracting our minerals; it is also about using our land and rail corridor to create a competitive logistics hub,” he said
“Today, the House of Representatives voted on several major instruments, including the Total Energy Bill, the Oronto Deal, the HPX agreement, and the National Budget. I voted against the combined Total Energy and Oronto Bill and for the HPX Bill. It is necessary to state the reasons for my votes today, which were taken in good conscience and based on what I believe to be the best interest of the Liberian people.
“I would have supported the Total Energy Bill if it had been brought separately. However, with no justification given and without logic, it was brought as an Omnibus Bill, bundled as part of a single vote with the Oronto Deal, which constrained me to vote against the combined instrument.”
He said this is a common strategy that lawmakers use to ensure the passage of less popular bills by combining them with more essential or widely supported legislation, such as the Total Energy Bill.
“One can safely assume that with the push back against the Oronto deal from so many, the proponents knew that it had a high possibility of being rejected if submitted as a stand-alone instrument,” he indicated. “Although the Bill was ultimately passed by my colleagues in the House, I remain firmly opposed to the Oronto deal because it has no clear plan for exploration and Otranto’s business model is simply to acquire our asset and flip it for profit.
“If this type of deal was ever to be accepted, it should have been an opportunity reserved for Liberians, so that Liberians, not foreigners, can benefit from their own resources. Additionally, given Oronto’s past record in Liberia, I do not believe such a company should again be entrusted with our resources.”
Then he continued: “I also voted against the National Budget. At $1.2 billion, it remains a consumption budget and not a transformational one. It does not improve the lives of ordinary Liberians, nor does it reflect any serious innovation in how government intends to deliver services and grow the economy.
“I particularly disagree with the Government’s decision to consume the two hundred-million-dollar Arcelor Mittal signing bonus over twelve months instead of investing it in a sustainable sector, such as agriculture, where it would have created jobs, empowered Liberians, and continued to yield benefits for many years.”
According to him, he voted in favor of the HPX deal “because it is, in my view, in the strategic interest of Liberia. This agreement is not simply about extracting our minerals; it is also about using our land and rail corridor to create a competitive logistics hub.
“It enhances our ability to move goods and services within Liberia, opens access to our inland port, and gives us a real opportunity to serve landlocked neighbors such as Mali and others who can use Liberia as a transit route. This is the kind of infrastructure-based advantage that can help position our country as a regional gateway and directly translate into private sector and economic growth opportunities.”