Rep. Dixon Seboe accused Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah of plotting to remove Speaker Koffa to control House finances. This allegation comes amidst a leadership crisis involving committee reassignments and allegations of budget manipulation. Seboe criticized the minority bloc for failing to resolve ongoing disputes legally, while Fallah remains silent on the accusations.
In Monrovia, legislative tensions are escalating in the House of Representatives, particularly concerning accusations levied by Rep. Dixon Seboe against Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah. Seboe claims that Fallah is orchestrating a plot to usurp Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s position to gain control over the House’s finances for his personal benefit, citing Fallah’s feeling of being marginalized in the current leadership structure.
During an appearance on OK FM’s Morning Rush show, Seboe emphatically stated that the underlying issue pertains to control and influence within the Legislature. He remarked on the mentality among certain lawmakers who believe they are entitled to leadership positions to influence critical financial decisions, calling Fallah a significant impediment to governance at the Capitol,
Deputy Speaker Fallah has positioned himself as a pivotal player in this ongoing crisis, leveraging his 19 years of experience and influence within the House. His recent break from Speaker Koffa’s leadership has reportedly bolstered the Majority Bloc, enabling actions such as the revocation of committee assignments previously made by Koffa, raising serious legal questions regarding the legitimacy of these maneuvers.
Seboe has further accused Fallah of financial improprieties, alleging that he sought to manipulate information concerning a US$900,000 disbursement for additional legislative sessions. Seboe claimed Fallah pressured him to withhold this information from their colleagues, suggesting personal motivations behind Fallah’s actions.
These accusations are not unprecedented, as Fallah has previously faced similar allegations of corrupt practices. Last year, Koffa remarked on a conspiracy within the House to subtly alter the national budget for personal gain, attributing his efforts to maintain integrity as the reason behind his attempts at reform. In 2019, further allegations surfaced against Fallah related to financial misconduct regarding allowances for House members.
The leadership struggle in the House is marked by factionalism, with no clear resolution in sight. Rep. Seboe lamented the ongoing disarray and emphasized that the discord stems from an unrecognized violation of legal and procedural norms in displacing the Speaker, calling for adherence to established laws and frameworks.
As the situation evolves, Fallah has yet to publicly address the serious allegations against him. The deepening divisions may further complicate any potential dialogue within the House, as both parties remain entrenched in their positions, perpetuating a tense atmosphere at the Capitol.
In conclusion, the conflict within Liberia’s House of Representatives reflects deep-seated issues of power, control, and alleged financial misconduct. Rep. Seboe’s serious accusations against Deputy Speaker Fallah highlight ongoing strife and the challenge of adhering to legal protocols in leadership transitions. As the situation remains unresolved, the ramifications could impact not only the legislators involved but also the legislative process and governance in Liberia.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
