Liberian commentator Philipbert Semogai Jabba-Wleh Browne has described Henry Petro Costa’s public defense of Liberia National Police Inspector General, Col. Gregory O. Coleman, as a “classic case of reverse psychology,” arguing that Costa’s interventions may be doing more harm than good to the police chief’s public image.
In a commentary titled “From Where I Sit,” Jabba-Wleh contends that Costa’s repeated challenges to activist Martin K. N. Kollie over evidence and allegations involving Coleman could encourage Kollie to release additional information.
According to him, Costa’s approach, while appearing to defend Coleman, is instead keeping the Inspector General at the center of public controversy and giving his critics a larger platform.
Jabba-Wleh said the situation must be viewed against the backdrop of previous controversies involving Coleman, including his reported summons over contempt of court, his public comments concerning media actors allegedly financed by drug networks, and his disputes with opposition figures.
He argued that Costa’s continued engagement could further expose Coleman to additional allegations, documents, videos and testimonies.
“Instead of cooling the temperature, he is pouring fuel on it,” Jabba-Wleh wrote, suggesting that Costa’s media interventions could encourage critics and civil society actors to present more evidence against the police chief.
The commentator further urged Costa to reconsider his approach, arguing that Coleman needs due process rather than continued media confrontations.
He acknowledged Coleman’s international recognition as Co-Chair of NOBLE’s International Affairs Committee but maintained that continued public exchanges could further damage the Inspector General’s reputation.
Jabba-Wleh concluded that if the objective is to protect the integrity of the Liberia National Police, those defending Coleman should allow the relevant institutions to address the allegations rather than prolonging the public dispute.
