“LACE Boss Must Return US$150,000 or Face Protest” Rep. Flomo Issues Blistering Warning

MONROVIA, Liberia — Montserrado County District #13 Representative Edward Papie Flomo has launched a scathing attack on Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE) Executive Director Julius Selle, accusing him of failing to account for US$150,000 allegedly allocated to projects in his district over three years.

Representative Flomo alleged that US$50,000 was allocated in 2024, another US$50,000 in 2025, and an additional US$50,000 this year, but claimed residents have yet to see the impact of the funds.

“LACE boss Julius Selle, man, I don't want to talk, but the guy can eat the money. He feels that nobody can do anything to him,” Flomo said.

According to the lawmaker, the alleged US$150,000 could have been used to address critical development needs in District #13, including the construction or completion of schools and other community projects.

“He ate 50,000 in 2024, 50,000 in 2025, then this year 50,000. We can't hear it again. It's 150,000 USD. Don't you know what that 150,000 can do for the people of District #13?” Flomo questioned.

The lawmaker said young people in the district have informed him of plans to stage a protest against the LACE boss over the alleged handling of the funds, adding that he intends to support their action.

“The youth of District #13 wrote me that they are coming up with a protest on LACE boss, and I will support that project,” Flomo declared.

Flomo warned that any protest he supports could grow beyond the LACE headquarters if the concerns of residents are not addressed, urging Selle to ensure that the people receive the money or development benefits allegedly intended for them.

“When I put my hand in something, it can turn big. If he's listening to me now, he better bring those people money. If he refuses to bring the people money, that protest will be against him and all his clubs he can go to,” he warned.

The District #13 lawmaker further said he would not back down from the confrontation, claiming residents would follow Selle to places where he allegedly spends his leisure time.

“He will not go to night club again to drink his beer or stout or smoke his big, big bone,” Flomo said, in a highly charged warning.

Flomo also used the controversy to question the government's vetting of individuals appointed to senior public positions, saying the government must be more careful about the people it brings into power. He also made a separate allegation concerning a superintendent, saying, “Here is the superintendent, he was smoking cigarettes; the government brought him to power. Now his one bone four men can hold it.” The allegations made by Representative Flomo have not been independently verified, and Selle was not quoted in the statement provided.