Lawmakers tussle over gas slips, other benefits. 

Drama erupted in the House of Representatives here Tuesday, when lawmakers engaged in a heated quarrel over amenities, including gas slips that nearly led to a fistfight. 

By Stephen G. Fellajuah

Monrovia, Liberia; July 2, 2025 – Tensions increased rapidly during the July 1, 2025, legislative session at the House of Representatives, as Bong County Representative Marvin Cole and other opposition lawmakers demanded clarification over alleged irregularities in the distribution of gas slips and other benefits under Speaker Richard Koon’s administration.

The Chair of the Executive narrowly avoided a physical confrontation as the debate over the allegations intensified.

In a politically charged exchange, Rep. Josiah Marvin Cole, a solidary lawmaker of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), demanded immediate clarification and redress.

“I came to you here in private, then you’re shouting at me. I’ll disgrace you!” Rep. Cole shouted at Rep. Thomas Fallah during a chaotic session.

The confrontation reflects deeper tensions between CDC lawmakers and Rep. Fallah. During the recent legislative leadership crisis, Fallah, who once belonged to the CDC, aligned with the Majority Bloc, while Rep. Cole remained in the Minority Bloc. The lingering bitterness between the two camps remains unresolved.

Rep. Fallah, who represents Lofa County Electoral District #1, avoided giving a direct response during the session, further provoking lawmakers to seek answers.

Recently, Fallah openly declared his support for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, shocking many within the CDC. He called on citizens of Lofa County to unite behind the President.

Once a prominent opposition figure and senior CDC member, Fallah was expelled from the party earlier this year following allegations that he misled party leadership during the legislative contest.

Now, his political allegiance has shifted toward the Unity Party-led administration of President Boakai. Although Fallah insists he is not a member of the Unity Party, he emphasized that as long as he is from Lofa and the President is from Lofa, he is part of this government and “fully supports this government 100%.”

Meanwhile, calls have intensified for a full audit of the Legislature amid growing demands for accountability. Lawmakers have repeatedly complained about delays in receiving benefits, including gas slips, fueling unrest within the House. Editing by Jonathan Browne