Representative Dixon Seboe has accused Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah of orchestrating a leadership crisis in the House of Representatives to control its finances, expressing concerns over budget manipulation and power struggles. This ongoing conflict has led to significant internal divisions and legal challenges against Fallah’s actions, while he has yet to respond to the allegations. The situation remains unresolved, highlighting the need for adherence to legal governance frameworks within the legislature.
The internal discord in the House of Representatives in Liberia has intensified, as Representative Dixon Seboe of Montserrado County accuses Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah of instigating a leadership crisis to gain control over its finances. Seboe stated that Fallah feels marginalized under Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s leadership and has sought to orchestrate Koffa’s ousting to assert his influence.
During an appearance on OK FM’s Morning Rush show, Seboe remarked, “I think fundamentally, it is about who divides the cake. There are people in this country who feel they own the Legislature… He is the fundamental problem at the Capitol.” He further articulated that Fallah’s disappointment stems from not being appointed Speaker and the subsequent limitations to his influence over committee chair appointments.
Fallah, serving as Deputy Speaker for 19 years, has played a pivotal role in the ongoing crisis. His departure from Koffa’s leadership reportedly galvanized the Majority Bloc, which has since attempted to displace Koffa. The bloc systematically overturned committee assignments set by Koffa, with Fallah presiding over meetings where he nominated new leadership, including replacing Seboe as Chair of the Ways, Means, and Finance Committee.
The legitimacy of the Majority Bloc’s actions has been contested by Koffa and his supporters, leading to a Supreme Court ruling declaring their actions beyond legal authority. Seboe has further accused Fallah of financial misconduct, suggesting that their conflict began when Fallah allegedly encouraged him to conceal information regarding a US$900,000 disbursement meant for legislators’ extra sessions.
Seboe alleged, “Fallah was prepared for us to tell our colleagues that we were not going to be paid… This is the cause of the fight at the Capitol Building—people want to steal and eat people’s money.” This is part of a broader narrative as Fallah has faced similar allegations previously regarding budget manipulation.
The struggle for power within the House remains ongoing, with lawmaker factions deeply divided. Seboe lamented, “It is pathetic that for six months, we have been unable to resolve this situation on Capitol Hill.” He emphasized that legal frameworks must be adhered to for any leadership changes to be recognized, indicating a stalemate in resolving the crisis.
Thus far, Deputy Speaker Fallah has not issued a response to the serious allegations made against him, adding to the palpable tension surrounding the current political climate in the House of Representatives.
The tumult within the House of Representatives in Liberia underscores severe internal discord and allegations of financial misconduct. Representative Dixon Seboe’s accusations against Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah highlight concerns over power struggles and the adherence to legal statutes in governance. With unresolved divisions and a potential political fallout looming, the situation remains precarious as both factions face critical decisions regarding leadership legitimacy.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
