Liberia’s MonroviaThomas P. Fallah, the legislature’s deputy speaker, has finally addressed his expulsion from the Congress for Democratic Change, calling it a relief and a gift.
Fallah claimed that his dismissal from the party was unlawful in a radio broadcast on ELBC, stressing that he could not remember breaking any of the party’s rules. Fallah argued that his dismissal from the CDC did not follow the correct due process, despite the CDC citing a major contempt for the party and a breach of ethics.
The Deputy Speaker voiced his displeasure at having to wait to be heard and given the chance to speak out while he and other CDC legislators were suspended. Nevertheless, neither he nor the others were looked into by the party.
Despite indicating in the suspension letter that it intended to create an ethical and grievance committee, he pointed out that the CDC similarly neglected to do so throughout this protracted waiting time. In the end, he believed that his expulsion was motivated more by feelings than by a just procedure.
“I don’t remember one day of the 20 years of violating the CDC bylaws and constitution. I can’t remember one day,” he said challenging any member of the CDC to bring forth evidence to disprove his claims.
However, Fallah expressed that his expulsion is a blessing in disguise. He emphasized the intense political climate in Lofa County during recent electoral seasons, where political parties are deeply divided because Lofa is known for its strong cultural orientation, which is often influenced by discipline, tribal, and regional politics.
Additionally, he stressed that he no longer needs to consult or go through any party structure before making a political choice, noting that his family, with whom he frequently confers, has made recent decisions.
Recall that Fallah and a number of other CDC lawmakers were first suspended because of the controversy surrounding the purportedly unlawful removal of former Speaker Koffa. This incident revealed serious disagreements among CDC lawmakers over the removal of the former speaker.
He was eventually kicked out of the party, nonetheless, due to accusations of unethical behaviour.
Fallah was an official of the party’s National official Committee and the Vice Chair for Operations of the CDC prior to his expulsion. Since joining in 2004, Fallah has been a devoted supporter.
