–Deputy Speaker Fallah Responds
The Executive Committee of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has claimed that it is evident that President Joseph Boakai and his Unity Party government are crumbling under the weight of their government and are seeking escape through possible instability that may result from dangerous political maneuvering, including the continued political harassment of the CDC and the unlawful removal of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa.
In a release issued November 6, 2024, the CDC said, given the risk the UP’s ploy poses to democratic practices, the CDC is surprised that some of its partisans who are lawmakers will allow themselves to be used in this process.
“This act of the partisans violates Part II, Chapter I, Rule 5 of the CDC Constitution. Hence, the party will create no space for such deviant partisans. The party has therefore decided to, in keeping with Part II, Chapter I, Rule 14, to temporarily suspend those partisans who are lawmakers being used and request them, in keeping with Part I, Article 15, Section 80 and Part II, Chapter I, Rule 17 & 18 to avail themselves of the National Disciplinary Committee (Grievance and Ethics Committee) for investigation,” the release observed.
Representatives temporarily suspended by the CDC are Deputy Speaker, Thomas P. Fallah, district #1, Lofa County; Alexander Poure, district #1, River Gee County; Isaac B. Choloplay Wuo, district #2, River Gee County; Johnson S. N. Williams, district #3, River Gee County; Julie F. Wiah, district #2, Lofa County; Momo Siafa Kpoto, district #3, Lofa County; Ivar K. Jones, district #2, Margibi County; Emmanuel Yarl, district #4, Margibi County; Clarence Gahr, district #5, Margibi County; P. Mike Jurry, district #1, Maryland County; and Samson Q. Wiah, district #2, Sinoe County.
The CDC said it remains committed to upholding the peace and stability of the state, and cautioned President Joseph Boakai to desist from instituting political manipulations that have the potential of undermining the hard-earned peace.
In response to the suspension, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Thomas P. Fallah, said, “My love and loyalty to the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and to our leader, President George Weah, have been unwavering since day one. Together, we have endured trials and celebrated victories, always with the dream of a better Liberia in our hearts.
“I have always sacrificed for the CDC, and I demonstrated this during our most recent campaign in Lofa, where, under the sounds of bullets and intimidations, we gave everything to improve our party’s presence from a humble 7% in 2017 to an impressive 37% in 2023. Though the ultimate outcome did not favor us, the campaign remains a proof of our commitment to the party. I have always been willing to go the extra mile for this party, and this is something I will always do.
“I want to make it clear that my actions in the Legislature are motivated by a deep love for our country, my party and a desire to see Liberia move forward. The decisions I make on Capitol Hill are always driven by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the greater good of our nation. It is my hope that, in time, you will see these actions for what they were—an effort to protect and uplift Liberia and our dear CDC.
“In light of recent developments, I welcome the party’s decision to suspend me pending investigation. I fully submit to our internal process led by the grievance and ethics committee, understanding the importance of addressing the concerns as raised. This process is vital for maintaining the integrity of our party and restoring the trust of our members. I stand ready to cooperate fully, with the hope that we can emerge stronger and more united in the years ahead.
“As we move forward, I hope that we can find it in our hearts to continue working together for the betterment of Liberia. Our journey is far from over, and there is still much we can achieve as a united force. Let us remember the core values that brought us together and strive to uphold them, no matter the challenges we may face today.”
