MONROVIA – The House of Representatives has taken a decisive move to hold Representative Josiah Marvin Cole accountable, ordering him to repay US$150,000 in gasoline expenses linked to his tenure as Chair of the Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration. This critical decision was made during a plenary session on Thursday, July 3, amid increasing scrutiny of ethics within the legislative body.
The motion was initiated by Representative Foday Fahnbulleh from Bong County District 7, who raised concerns about missing fuel benefits associated with Cole’s leadership. Fahnbulleh’s call for accountability was bolstered by insights from the current committee chair, Representative James Kolleh, who indicated that there were no outstanding gasoline payments owed under the present committee administration, apart from two months currently under processing.
“I move, if I can obtain a second, that this issue be laid to rest, and that the person in question of the former leadership be made to restitute the amount of gasoline that they are on record of receiving,” Fahnbulleh asserted, garnering unanimous support from fellow lawmakers during the session.
In addition to the financial reprimand, Cole is now also facing scrutiny for alleged misconduct. Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah addressed the assembly to clarify that previous claims regarding a backlog of nine months of unaccounted gasoline benefits were incorrect, stating that only two months were outstanding—a correction pivotal to the ongoing discussions concerning Cole’s obligations.
This situation comes to a head as the legislature grapples with the need for greater accountability among its members. The ramifications for Cole may extend beyond financial restitution, potentially affecting his future within the House of Representatives.
Calls for discipline do not end here, as new separate complaint has been filed against Cole by Representative Anthony Williams of Maryland County District 2, highlighting an incident that occurred on July 1, where Cole allegedly made disrespectful comments directed at Deputy Speaker Fallah during the session. Williams characterized Cole’s remarks as “painful and disgraceful,” arguing that they constitute a violation of the House’s standing rules on decorum.
Following this incident act, Representative Alfred Flomo of Grand Bassa County District 4 proposed that both the House Committee on Rules and Order and the Judiciary Committee examine the complaint. They have been tasked with providing a report within one week, which may suggest further disciplinary measures ranging from reprimand to suspension.
Cole, who was not present during the pivotal session, now faces a dual challenge: addressing the financial demands from his past role and navigating the implications of his alleged misconduct. As the legislature moves forward, the outcomes of both investigations could set crucial precedents in maintaining integrity among elected officials in Liberia’s government.
