12/10/2026
Representatives Foko, Wongbo Accuse House Leadership of Unfair Treatment Amid US$5 Million Constituency Funds Dispute
By: Andrew B Weah
The ongoing crisis within Liberia’s House of Representatives has intensified, with Nimba County District #9 Representative Taa Wongbe and Montserrado County District #9 Representative Frank Saah Foko raising concerns over the management of constituency project funds, alleged selective distribution of benefits, and a lack of transparency within the House leadership.
In separate public statements, the two lawmakers criticized Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah’s call for House members to return to work, insisting the dispute goes beyond personal benefits and allowances.
Representative Taa Z. Wongbe alleges that more than five million United States dollars allocated for constituency development projects cannot be accounted for, raising questions about the funds’ appropriation, release, and expenditure.
Representative Wongbe says the money was intended to support development activities in various districts, including road rehabilitation, school construction, health facilities, and other community projects.
He is calling on the House leadership to provide a detailed financial account of the funds, including the amounts appropriated, disbursed, spent, and remaining.
The Nimba County lawmaker also raised concerns about alleged unexplained deductions from lawmakers’ benefits, financial arrangements reportedly involving loans or credits, and the preparation of the 2026 Supplementary Budget without adequate consultation with the full House.
He further questioned the reported distribution of pickup vehicles to selected lawmakers, arguing that such allocations do not resolve the underlying concerns about accountability and fairness.
Meanwhile, Representative Frank Saah Foko has accused the House leadership of allegedly treating some lawmakers differently in the distribution of benefits and constituency resources.
Representative Foko questioned how some lawmakers reportedly have access to resources for donations, political activities, and other projects while others struggle to meet the development needs of their constituencies.
He insists that constituency funding and lawmakers’ legitimate benefits should not be used to reward political loyalty or disadvantage members who disagree with the leadership.
Representative Foko also questioned reports that approximately twenty-one thousand United States dollars had been paid to lawmakers, calling for clarification on who received the money, what the payments represent, and whether all eligible members were treated equally.
Both lawmakers acknowledge that members of the House have a constitutional responsibility to perform their legislative duties. However, they maintain that returning to work should go hand in hand with transparency, fairness, and concrete action to address their concerns.
The lawmakers are calling for proper accounting of constituency project funds, equal treatment in the distribution of benefits, and greater consultation on financial decisions affecting the Legislature.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and the detailed financial records needed to establish the status of the disputed funds have not been presented in the statements provided.
The House leadership’s response to the specific allegations, including the alleged missing funds and claims of selective allocation, remains central to resolving the dispute.
The controversy comes amid growing calls for accountability and transparency in the management of public resources in Liberia.
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