The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune. 

ARINTHIA Komolafe’s recent defense of decisions made by a previous administration’s cabinet— decisions she vehemently opposed during her tenure as the leader of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA)—raises serious questions about her political convictions and credibility. 

As the former leader of the DNA, Ms Komolafe was a staunch critic of the Free National Movement (FNM) administration, opposing nearly every major decision they made. Yet now, she finds herself defending those very decisions, a perplexing and contradictory stance that seems driven by a desire for political relevance rather than principled consistency. 

Ms Komolafe’s political journey is marked by a lack of steadfastness. She began her political career with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), then transitioned to the DNA, and now appears to be aligning herself with the FNM. This pattern suggests a willingness to adopt any political affiliation that might offer a path to power. Such opportunism should be a red flag to voters who value integrity and conviction in their leaders. 

Moreover, it is puzzling why Ms Komolafe, who did not serve in the Minnis cabinet, would feel compelled to defend their decisions. Her past statements about the FNM were unambiguous and harsh. She accused the FNM of corruption, cronyism, and a myriad of other serious allegations, even demanding a vote of no confidence in the Minnis administration. 

In a press statement, she described the Town Centre Mall deal as a “symbolic landmark of corruption, cronyism, nepotism, and conflicts of interest”. She lambasted the FNM government for what she perceived as their corrupt practices and lack of accountability. Her impassioned demands for transparent governance and the condemnation of the Minnis administration’s actions were clear and unequivocal. 

Given this history, her current defense of the FNM’s past decisions appears not only hypocritical but also politically motivated. It raises the question of whether Ms Komolafe is truly guided by principles or if she is simply positioning herself for personal political gain. 

Bahamian voters deserve leaders who are consistent in their principles and transparent in their motives. Leaders who shift allegiances and positions to suit their ambitions undermine the trust and confidence that the public places in them. Ms Komolafe’s recent actions highlight a credibility deficit that should not be overlooked. 

In these critical times, it is essential for Bahamians to carefully scrutinize the motives and track records of those seeking to represent them. Leaders who will say and become anything to get into Parliament do not serve the best interests of the nation. 

THE GATE KEEPER 

June 24 2024