By Patrick Stephen Tokpah/BONG
Bong County District 5 Representative Eugine Kollie is faced with heavy criticism from constituents due to his suspension from the House of Representatives without pay or benefits.
Representative Kollie is among the several Representatives suspended without salaries and benefits.
The decision was taken through a unanimous vote by the Majority Bloc faction.
Despite their efforts in pushing for their salaries and benefits through petition to the Supreme Court to awaken stalled development and continue the legislative process, however, their hope seems to be in balance.
Recently, a political grassroots Organization, the Liberation Movement for Suakoko District (LMSD), criticized the Bong County lawmaker for absenteeism from the House of Representatives for three months, citing no impact on legislation and administrative challenges.
The political grassroots movement attributed Representative Kellie’s suspension to his failure to fulfill legislative duties and responsibilities.
The Liberation Movement for Suakoko District has since blamed Representative Eugene J. M Kollie for stalling developmental initiatives at the time of his suspension.
The hardcore political group further demands clarification on District Representation in the 2025 Budget Process.
The group through its National Chairman, Alphonso B. Torkolon, highlighted the detrimental effects of the lack of advocacy for the district’s interests in critical national matters.
Mr. Torkolon noted that Legislation passed in Representative Kollie’s absence may fail to reflect the needs and concerns of Suakoko, potentially leading to outcomes that do not benefit the district; hinders ongoing projects or initiatives within the district, and could delay or prevent the launch of new ones.
The LMSD Chairman is quoted as saying that the district is left without proper representation in the legislature. Therefore, citizens’ interests will not properly be advocated for in legislative discussions and decision-making processes.
The group further gave a two-week ultimatum to the district representative to appear before the citizens of Suakoko at the Suakoko District Youth Center for clarification on his Suspension from the Liberia National Legislature.
“This call is not a threat but a sincere request for transparency and accountability in our district’s representation. It’s imperative that he is held accountable to ensure the proper functioning of the national Legislature and the well-being of our district,” he stated.
These points, according to some political pundits, reflect significant failures in Representative Kollie’s political journey, especially in his first term in legislative proceeding with growing uncertainty over his re-election in 2029.
However, Representative Eugene Kollie, through his political affairs Office, Samuel B. Wakeh, turned the group statement into trashed grounds that it lacks issues of importance.
He further labeled the criticism as “politically motivated and described the group as an attention seeker in District 5, Bong County.
Mr. Wakeh said the group is being compromised on grounds that their support for the illegality of the Majority bloc is questionable.
“How can the young people to whom they are referred as future leaders be compromised and disregard the constitution of Liberia and the rules of the country by the Majority bloc lawmakers?” Mr. Wakeh asked.
He further revealed that Representative Kollie will continue to represent the people of Suakoko District and uphold the rules of law/constitution.
