“OUR BENEFITS MUST NOT BECOME A POLITICAL WEAPON” REP. FOKO BLASTS DEPUTY SPEAKER FALLAH OVER LAWMAKERS’ ALLOWANCES

Monrovia, Liberia:Montserrado County District #9 Representative Frank Saah Foko, Jr., has launched a blistering attack on Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, accusing legislative leaders of creating a misleading impression that lawmakers are receiving their full benefits while some members continue to face complaints over delayed payments. Foko insists that constituency funding and lawmakers’ benefits must not be manipulated to reward political loyalty, punish dissent, or silence members who question the leadership.

“Hon. Deputy Speaker, how can you come online and make it appear as though you, too, are going without your benefits and allowances, yet you are moving from county to county, making donations in huge quantities, and constructing your NIMBO office at such astronomical speed, including reports of buying pickups for your bloc?” Foko questioned, directly challenging Fallah to explain the apparent contrast between claims of financial hardship and reports of extensive spending.

The Montserrado lawmaker also pointed to Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon’s donations of buses to various regions, arguing that the activities of the legislative leadership raise serious questions about why ordinary lawmakers continue to complain about their benefits. Foko said members of the House should not be treated as children or made to feel that access to resources depends on their relationship with those in leadership positions.

Foko further challenged the narrative surrounding reports that approximately US$21,000 had allegedly been paid to lawmakers, suggesting that the information was being used to create the impression that every member had received what was due to them. He accused Fallah and other legislative leaders of allowing a narrative to circulate that could mislead the public about the actual state of payments and the concerns raised by members.

“The public deserves the truth,” Foko insisted. “If these payments have been made, let the relevant authorities clarify who received them, what they represent, and whether all eligible members have been treated equally.” His statement places pressure on the relevant authorities to provide a clear account of the reported payments and establish whether lawmakers have been treated fairly and consistently.

Foko’s remarks have brought renewed attention to questions of transparency, accountability, and fairness within the House of Representatives, particularly over lawmakers’ benefits and constituency funding. By challenging Deputy Speaker Fallah and demanding clarification over the reported US$21,000 payments, the District #9 lawmaker is calling for answers that go beyond political exchanges, insisting that benefits intended to help representatives serve their constituents must never become a tool for controlling lawmakers or dividing the Legislature.