In Liberia, Rep. Dixon Seboe accuses Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah of plotting to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa to manipulate House finances. Seboe highlights Fallah’s historical influence and alleged financial misconduct, contributing to a leadership crisis characterized by division among lawmakers. Fallah has yet to respond to these escalating allegations amidst ongoing tensions within the House.
In Liberia, the House of Representatives is embroiled in escalating internal disputes among lawmakers. Representative Dixon Seboe has publicly accused Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah of orchestrating efforts to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa in order to gain control over the House’s financial decisions for personal benefit. This turmoil has highlighted the competitive power dynamics within the Legislature.
During a recent interview, Rep. Seboe remarked that Fallah, feeling marginalized under Speaker Koffa’s leadership, attempted to undermine the Speaker for personal advantage. He further stated, “It is about who divides the cake…people who feel they own the Legislature.” Seboe emphasized that Fallah’s significant influence, derived from nearly two decades of service, has contributed to the current crisis.
Deputy Speaker Fallah’s role in the leadership crisis has been significant; he allegedly spearheaded a movement within the Majority Bloc to challenge Speaker Koffa’s authority. Following a defection to this group, Fallah took leadership of sessions where committee assignments made by Koffa were overturned, including the removal of Seboe from the Ways, Means, and Finance Committee.
Furthermore, allegations of financial misconduct have surfaced against Fallah, with Rep. Seboe claiming that Fallah once advised him to withhold information about a US$900,000 special disbursement meant for lawmakers. Seboe indicated that a culture of corruption and mismanagement at the Capitol has contributed to their current conflicts, stating, “This is the cause of the fight at the Capitol Building—people want to steal and eat people’s money.”
This is not the first instance of corruption claims against Fallah. Previous accusations have involved manipulation of the national budget to benefit select lawmakers. Speaker Koffa highlighted a “cartel” operating within the House to enrich its members through illicit practices.
The ongoing leadership crisis remains unresolved, with lawmakers divided into opposing factions. Seboe criticized the Majority Bloc’s disregard for legal frameworks and the failure to achieve internal conflict resolution, lamenting that politics should not only be about numbers but also respect for the law. He expressed frustration at the stalemate, stating, “It is pathetic that for six months, we have been unable to resolve this situation on Capitol Hill.”
As of now, Deputy Speaker Fallah has not provided a response to these allegations. His forthcoming remarks may either escalate the tensions further or lay the groundwork for potential resolution amid the ongoing standoff among House members.
The internal conflict within Liberia’s House of Representatives revolves around serious accusations of financial misconduct and power struggles. Representative Dixon Seboe has mounted allegations against Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah for seeking control over House finances and attempting to oust Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. As the rivalry intensifies, the adherence to legal and constitutional measures remains a critical concern amid unresolved leadership issues.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
