-Lawmakers Boycott Formal Opening
Several lawmakers last Friday boycotted the formal opening ceremonies of the third and final quarter of the 55th legislature in session, 2026 of the Republic of Liberia.
Tension is reportedly mounting within Liberia’s House of Representatives, as a group of lawmakers, under the banner of Reformists Movement, are demanding the resignation of Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, and the Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.
The group has accused the House’s leadership of financial malfeasance and administrative ineptitude.
At the center of the lawmakers’ complaints is an allegation that approximately US$5 million in legislative funds and lawmakers’ benefits remain inadequately accounted for, raising fresh questions about financial management, transparency and accountability within the 55th Legislature.
The Reformists say their concerns are contained in a resolution outlining 12 alleged financial and administrative violations involving the mismanagement of financial resources belonging to the House and its members.
According to anonymous sources, this time the aggrieved lawmakers will willfully match in their chamber of the Legislature to present their petition to the plenary on Tuesday.
Among the issues raised are alleged alterations to budgetary allocations, questions surrounding the management of constituency funds, and concerns over the use of resources reportedly earmarked for development programs.
The lawmakers further alleged that funds intended to support constituency initiatives and development projects were either misappropriated or utilized without the required authorization.
However, the allegations remain claims advanced by the lawmakers and have not been independently established as fact.
Any determination of wrongdoing would require access to financial records, supporting documentation and a formal investigation by the appropriate authorities.
The confrontation reportedly took a dramatic turn over the weekend when the Reformists traveled in a convoy of approximately 64 vehicles to the residence of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung.
The lawmakers reportedly presented their resolution to the Vice President, asking him to intervene in what they characterized as serious concerns over the administration and financial management of the House of Representatives.
Sources familiar with the meeting said Vice President Koung expressed concern about the allegations and requested one week to examine the issues presented.
He reportedly indicated that he would use the period to review the allegations, consult relevant stakeholders and determine an appropriate response.
The Vice President’s reported involvement could add another dimension to an already sensitive institutional dispute, particularly if the allegations eventually lead to a formal investigation or broader political confrontation.
The House has experienced previous disagreements over leadership, institutional authority and financial administration. In December 2025, a group identifying itself as the 55th Legislative Reformist Movement reportedly threatened measures against the leadership of the House, including possible efforts to remove Speaker Koon.
The Reformists are also reportedly threatening to take their demands directly to the floor of the House if their call for the resignation of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Ways and Means Committee Chair is not addressed.
Such a move could trigger another major leadership confrontation within the 55th Legislature and test the balance of power inside the House.
