Rep. Cole (left) was ordered to restitute US$150,000 worth of gasoline intended for members of the House. House decision was based on findings presented by the current Chair of the Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, Representative James Kolleh (right).
Monrovia – Bong County District 3 Representative Josiah Marvin Cole has been ordered by the House of Representatives to restitute US$150,000 worth of gasoline and is also facing a formal investigation over allegations of gross misconduct and insubordination.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The actions were taken during the 15th day sitting of the second quarter of the 55th Legislature on Thursday, July 3.
The first decision followed the conclusion of weeks-long deliberations over a backlog of gasoline benefits allegedly owed to lawmakers. Bong County District 7 Representative Foday Fahnbulleh filed a motion based on findings presented by the current Chair of the Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, Representative James Kolleh.
According to the report, there are no outstanding gasoline arrears under the current leadership, except for two months currently being processed.
Rep. Fahnbulleh then moved that former committee chair Rep. Cole be held responsible for fuel allegedly unaccounted for during his tenure, amounting to US$150,000.
“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,” Rep. Fahnbulleh said.
The motion was seconded and passed by plenary.
Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah clarified during the session that reports claiming the Rules and Order Committee owed nine months of gasoline benefits were inaccurate. He referenced prior plenary decisions and an ad-hoc committee report to support that only two months were pending.
Meanwhile, in a separate matter, Maryland County District 2 Representative Anthony Williams submitted a formal complaint against Rep. Cole, citing a July 1 incident in which Cole allegedly made disrespectful remarks toward Deputy Speaker Fallah during a plenary session.
Williams described the outburst as “painful and disgraceful” and said it violated Rules 42.1 and 42.2 of the House’s standing rules. He also accused Cole of repeatedly showing disrespect toward fellow lawmakers and House Speaker Richard Koon.
Following the reading of the complaint, Grand Bassa County District 4 Representative Alfred Flomo moved that the matter be referred to the House Committee on Rules and Order. An amendment was accepted to include the Judiciary Committee. The joint committee has been given one week to report findings and recommend possible disciplinary action.
Rep. Cole was not present during Thursday’s session. Deputy Speaker Fallah confirmed that all members were duly informed of the day’s agenda.
The pending committee report will determine whether Cole faces additional penalties, including suspension or censure.
