The People's Mic‐‐With Nick

An Open Letter to Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah on the Crisis Within the House of Representatives: Enough is Enough. This Is Not About Our Personal Benefits

Dear Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah:

I have deliberately refrained from online and public exchanges, choosing instead to focus on ongoing development activities in my district, however, your deceitful and misleading public statement portraying our legitimate concerns as a fight for personal benefits compels me to respond. I would have preferred to address these matters internally, but your attempt to misrepresent the real issues leaves me no choice but to set the record straight.

I am particularly concerned that your statement presents the current crisis as though lawmakers have abandoned their responsibilities because they are impatiently waiting for their personal benefits. That is simply disgusting and a pure attempt to make the public thinks that we are fighting for ourselves and you know this is about over US$5 million in project funds that have gone missing.

You know quite well that the disagreement concerns serious questions about the management of public resources, including over US$5 million associated with lawmakers' constituency project funds, the use of institutional resources, selective privileges, financial decisions made without adequate consultation, and the continuing marginalization of colleagues.

We have many counts, but these are 3 I am going to highlight for now.

1. This Is About Our Constituents, Not Our Personal Benefits, And You Know This

Deputy Speaker, you know that the concerns being raised are about over US5M dollars budgeted for development funds that are now nowhere to be found. Our lines have been exhausted, and we need to know why. We are talking about roads that need rehabilitation, schools that need classrooms and benches, clinics that need support, and communities waiting for essential infrastructure. The question is no longer simply when the money will come. The question is: What happened to the money, who authorized its use, and where is the accounting?

2. The Over US$5 Million Question Cannot Be Ignored
Where is the over US$5 million budgeted for district projects? This is not money that comes to us personally. It goes to LACE and you know this.

The House leadership must provide a complete accounting of this amount. How much was appropriated? How much was actually released? Where was it deposited? What expenditures were authorized? Who approved those expenditures? How much remains available for the projects originally intended? These questions require documentary answers. Public money cannot simply disappear into explanations, promises, or private assurances. Every dollar must be accounted for. Until the relevant financial records are produced, the serious concerns surrounding these funds will remain unresolved.

3. Selective Pickup Allocations Are Not an Answer
Let’s be clear: The fundamental issue is not whether a particular lawmaker received a pickup. I think you miscalculated to think that providing pickups to some of the people aligned with you would ensure they do not ask what is going on with funds for their constituents. You missed on that one because those same lawmakers saw right through your shenanigans and they are terming the pickups “junk” and “an advanced kehkeh”, and this is why almost 50 lawmakers boycotted the hoisting of the flag sending a strong signal and warning.

Your statement asks colleagues to demonstrate leadership, patience, and unity by returning to work. Those are important principles, but patience cannot become an indefinite substitute for accountability. In addition to the over 5 million dollars, we have identified several matters requiring urgent attention, including unexplained deductions from members, financial arrangements reportedly characterized as bank loans or credits, and questions about the preparation of the 2026 Supplementary Budget without adequate consultation with Plenary.

These issues deserve formal examination. We cannot exercise meaningful oversight over the Executive while leaving serious questions about the management of our own institution unanswered.

Final Words

Deputy Speaker, the public deserves the full picture. The work of Liberia cannot wait for another round of unfulfilled promises. The development needs of our constituencies cannot wait indefinitely for unexplained financial decisions to be clarified, and the confidence of members cannot be restored through propaganda and public statements to attempt to make it look like we are focused on ourselves.

Also, you must be aware that this will affect the integrity of this government should the outturn of the HOR budget shows more than what was approved in the budget, as the case with the 54th. Remember, the 54th had the same issue which publicly announced by the former US Ambassador at the time and it brought huge embarrassment to the country as a whole. 5M dollars of project funds cannot go missing and then make an insulting post with dry face. It's disrespectful.

Let me inform you that we know the meetings that have been had with Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, and his proposed interventions. We know what’s going on and it’s a shame that the VP has to intervene on House matters. Why? Why is he involved? Is the President also involved? Has the President been briefed that you guys took over 5 million dollars that were allocated to district project development? Do you think the international community knows?

Listen; I did not seek public confrontation over these matters, but your statement has presented the concerns of your colleagues in a manner that leaves out the central questions we have been asking.

We are elected representatives, not children waiting to be reassured that our district benefits will eventually arrive. We are accountable to our constituents, just as the leadership of the House is accountable to its members and to the Liberian people. The concerns before us cannot be resolved by suggesting that lawmakers must choose between demanding accountability and performing their constitutional duties, and it will NOT be resolved by the VP’s intervention. I can assure you.

As I told you in the chatroom, you know me. I fear nothing. You guys have attempted to marginalize some of us since the fight in 2024, but we are still delivering for our people and we will continue to. You have pushed us to the point where we are immune to your marginalization. Those who are down fear no fall, and I will not sit by for you to twist the facts to the public.

Enough of the promises. Enough of the selective explanations. Enough of the divisions.

Let us account for the money (over US 5 million dollars), address the grievances, restore trust, and get on with the people's business.

For God and Country,

Rep. Taa Z. Wongbe
Representative, Electoral District #9
Nimba County
55th Legislature, Republic of Liberia

ANOTHER IMPASSE?

Reports say a group of reform-minded lawmakers met along the Roberts International Airport Highway to discuss potential resolutions targeting Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and House Speaker Richard Koon.

The People's Mic‐‐With Nick
The Honourable House of Representatives Republic of Liberia