A leadership crisis is stirring confusion among residents of Schieffelin Township following the controversial nomination and confirmation of two commissioners to a single position.
Documents obtained by Verity News confirm that President Joseph N. Boakai nominated Jenkins Quaye on April 17, 2024, to serve as Commissioner of Schieffelin Township.
Mr. Quaye, who had twice previously nominated in an acting capacity, was later confirmed by the Liberian Senate and has been actively serving in the role since October 2024, following his induction by officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Notably, there has been no formal dismissal or suspension of Mr. Quaye by the President.
However, investigations by Verity News reveal that Richmond Fleming, a former Administrative Assistant (Chief Clerk) at the township under the Weah administration, was also nominated and confirmed by the Senate to serve in the same position ~ Commissioner of Schieffelin Township.
This development has sparked widespread confusion among local residents and stakeholders, as both men claim legitimacy to the same office. Some officials within the ruling Unity Party, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that President Boakai may have been unaware of Fleming’s nomination. They accused unnamed individuals within the Executive Mansion of manipulating the appointment process behind the President’s back.
“The decision to nominate and confirm two different individuals for a single office is not just unusual ~ it’s destabilizing,” one party official said.
Residents of the township have expressed growing concern over the dual nominations, warning that the lack of clear leadership could hinder local governance and spark conflict.
“This situation is deeply troubling,” said Johnson Smith, a community member. “Our township is already faced with numerous challenges. Introducing this kind of uncertainty at the leadership level is dangerous.”
Local businesses and institutions are reportedly divided over which commissioner to engage with. While some have continued dealings with Mr. Quaye, others have begun recognizing Mr. Fleming ~ leading to administrative paralysis and further deepening the crisis.
Calls are mounting for the Office of the President to swiftly intervene and provide clarity on who is the legitimate Commissioner of Schieffelin Township.
Many believe that failure to address the issue could lead to long-term governance challenges and erosion of public trust.
As of press time, there has been no official statement from the Executive Mansion regarding the matter.
