Rep. Dixon Seboe accuses Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah of creating a leadership crisis to control House finances. Allegations include financial mismanagement and budget manipulation. The leadership conflict remains unresolved, with significant tensions between rival factions. Fallah has not yet responded to these accusations.
The House of Representatives in Liberia is facing significant internal turmoil as Rep. Dixon Seboe accuses Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah of orchestrating a leadership crisis to gain control over House finances. Seboe contends that Fallah feels marginalized under Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s leadership and is attempting to unseat him to restore his influence.
Seboe stated, “I think fundamentally, it is about who divides the cake. People like the Deputy Speaker… believe that if things are not going their way, then there is a problem.” Fallah’s dissatisfaction stems from his lack of control over committee assignments, causing friction between lawmakers.
As the longest-serving member, Deputy Speaker Fallah has a strong foothold in the House. His recent defection has bolstered the Majority Bloc, leading to a dramatic shift where previous committee assignments were overturned and new leadership was elected in controversial sittings.
Fallah controversially replaced Rep. Seboe as Chair of the Ways, Means, and Finance Committee, triggering legal questions regarding the legitimacy of these changes. The Minority Bloc, supporting Speaker Koffa, escalated the issue to the Supreme Court, which termed the Majority Bloc’s actions as exceeding legal authority.
Seboe accused Fallah of financial impropriety by allegedly suggesting withholding information about a US$900,000 disbursement designated for lawmakers, indicating deeper corruption within the legislative body. Fallah has faced past allegations related to financial mismanagement and corruption in similar circumstances.
The leadership conflict reflects a factional divide with serious ramifications. Seboe articulated his frustration that six months have passed without resolution, highlighting the failure to adhere to legal processes. He stressed the need for a lawful framework in political maneuvering, asserting that the Majority Bloc’s actions lack legitimacy.
The ongoing struggle for power within the House could be further complicated by Fallah’s impending response to these accusations. Both factions remain entrenched as tensions rise significantly within the Capitol.
The ongoing leadership battle in Liberia’s House of Representatives highlights severe accusations of financial impropriety and power struggles. Rep. Dixon Seboe’s claims against Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah reveal a contentious divide amongst lawmakers. With unresolved legal issues and significant tensions, the situation could escalate unless a lawful resolution is sought.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
