-Lawmakers Assert, As They Accuse Gov’t Of Rampant Corruption
By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Two suspended lawmakers, Bong County District #3 Representative J. Marvin Cole and Montserrado County District #13 Representative Edward P. Flomo, have accused the Boakai-Koung government of widespread corruption and failing to deliver on its promises to the Liberian people. Their comments come as both face extended suspensions from legislative duties.
Representative Cole and Representative Flomo were suspended on November 19, 2024, alongside Montserrado County District #15 Representative Abu Kamara, for alleged misconduct. While Kamara’s suspension has since been lifted, Cole and Flomo remain barred from their legislative roles, with their suspension recently extended for an additional 30 session days after they were reportedly seen around the Capitol Building in violation of the terms of his disciplinary action.
Rep. Cole Defends Record, Accuses Government of Mismanagement
In a fiery statement, Representative Cole defended his record of service, contrasting it with what he described as the current administration’s failure to prioritize the needs of ordinary Liberians.
“During the George Weah administration, I paid fees for students, provided loans to market women, launched vocational training programs for both young women and men, donated medications to hospitals, assisted elderly individuals every weekend with their medical needs, supplied zinc and cement to individuals, churches, and institutions, and covered the tuition for over 400 university students,” Cole stated.
He argued that his suspension and the government’s actions against him were motivated by an inability to match his achievements. “This is why the current government is fighting against me—they cannot match what I have done and continue to do!” he declared.
Cole went on to accuse the administration of misusing public funds, alleging that officials are diverting money from the national budget and government institutions to fund personal projects, including building universities, high schools, and farms, as well as creating comfortable homes for themselves and their families.
“All they are doing is stealing money from the national government budget and institutions to build universities, high schools, open farms, and create comfortable homes for themselves and their families! Is this the ‘rescue’ they promised us?” he questioned.
The lawmaker described the level of corruption as “staggering” and called on Liberians to remain vigilant and prayerful, warning that the country’s future is at risk if the current trajectory continues.
“We need to pray for Liberia, or else they will sell our country right under our noses!” Cole urged.
Rep. Flomo Calls for Prayers, Highlights Systemic Corruption
Meanwhile, Representative Edward P. Flomo echoed similar sentiments during a public appearance at the New Georgia Estate Mosque, where he donated 150 bags of 25 kg rice and $100,000 LD to support the Muslim community as they concluded the holy month of Ramadan. Flomo expressed deep concern over alleged corruption within the government and urged citizens to pray for the nation’s leaders.
“Your need to pray for this nation,” Flomo declared. “Today, the Executive spent $6 million just to remove the Speaker, and they couldn’t even remove the man. The stealing is too much! From the Executive to the Legislature, stealing is everywhere. You need to pray for them to change. I know they can’t change, but if they don’t, we will continue to swear them and their children into office. If the feedback can’t reach them, let it affect their children.”
Flomo specifically pointed fingers at influential figures such as Thomas Fallah and Vice President Jeremiah Koung, whom he labeled as “the big problems for this country.” His comments have sparked mixed reactions, with some citizens applauding his boldness and others criticizing his approach as divisive.
The donation to the New Georgia Estate Mosque was seen as a gesture of solidarity with the Muslim community during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. However, the timing of the donation, amid Flomo’s suspension, has raised questions about the motivations behind his actions. Critics argue that the move is an attempt to garner public sympathy, while supporters view it as a genuine effort to give back to his constituents during a time of need.
Corruption in Liberia
Corruption is deeply entrenched at every level of Liberian society, positioning Liberia as one of the most politically corrupt nations globally. Recently, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) released a list of about 27 corruption cases that have been investigated and completed for the period of 2023-2024.
President Joseph Nyumah Boakai who assumed authority on the mantra of change in fighting corruption ironically endorsed corruption as a means of aiding ordinary Liberians. At an engagement on December 24, 2024, in Lofa County, the president urged his officials to use corruption as a means of helping less fortunate Liberians. “We want to encourage those who want to remain corrupt and steal money; I beg y’all, the money should be used to bless our people,” President Boakai said.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC)
Executive Chairperson, Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, weeks ago underscored the urgent need for the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Court in Liberia to enhance the efficiency of the Commission’s work.According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, Liberia scored a dismal 25 on a scale ranging from 0 (“highly corrupt”) to 100 (“very clean”). In terms of global rankings, Liberia placed 145th out of 180 countries, where the top-ranked country is perceived to have the most honest public secto
