Montserrado County District #10 embattled Representative Yekeh Kolubah has alleged that lawmakers received US$21,000 each in Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) checks, totaling more than US$1.5 million, amid a growing dispute over US$65,000 in benefits they are demanding.
According to Kolubah, each lawmaker received US$21,000 on Friday, October 9, 2026, following a boycott by more than 50 Representatives on the opening day of the third quarter of the second session of the 55th National Legislature.
Based on the reported payment, 72 lawmakers receiving US$21,000 each would amount to US$1,512,000.
However, Verity News has not independently verified the alleged disbursement, its authorization, or the purpose of the payments.
Kolubah’s allegation comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions within the House of Representatives, where members of the self-styled Reformist Bloc have accused Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah of financial misconduct and administrative irregularities.
In an earlier report, Verity News disclosed that at least 41 lawmakers had gathered for a strategic meeting to consider a 12-count resolution seeking the removal of the two House leaders.
One lawmaker, speaking to Verity News on condition of anonymity, claimed the group had 54 members, although approximately 40 were attending the meeting.
“Enough is enough. They have duped us of millions of dollars. We need accountability for all those monies, including our benefits, which reflect in the budget as received and expended. We have not received anything. This is corruption,” the lawmaker alleged.
The lawmaker said the Reformist Bloc was demanding accountability for funds allegedly owed to members, insisting that the situation could no longer be tolerated.
The dispute reportedly contributed to the boycott on October 9, when more than 50 Representatives stayed away from legislative proceedings over a series of grievances.
Amid the standoff, Speaker Koon disclosed that efforts were underway to resolve the dispute over lawmakers’ unpaid benefits.
Koon met with Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in Monrovia to discuss the matter.
The Speaker assured his colleagues that engagements with the ministry would continue until the issue was settled.
However, Kolubah’s claim that lawmakers subsequently received US$21,000 each raises questions about whether the reported payments were connected to the ongoing negotiations, represented partial settlement of the disputed benefits, or were made for another purpose.
The alleged US$21,000 payment remains below the US$65,000 in benefits lawmakers are reportedly demanding, leaving a difference of US$44,000 per lawmaker if the figures refer to the same benefit package.
The controversy has placed the House leadership under increasing pressure to address lawmakers’ complaints and clarify the status of the disputed benefits.
In previously leaked WhatsApp messages published by Verity News, Maryland County Representative Anthony Williams said lawmakers would not allow themselves to be used and discarded after serving someone’s purpose.
Meanwhile, the Reformist Bloc’s reported effort to remove the Speaker and Deputy Speaker has added another dimension to the internal conflict.
Verity News has not independently confirmed the source, purpose, or authorization of the alleged CBL checks. It also remains unclear whether all 72 lawmakers received the reported amount.
Efforts to obtain responses from Speaker Koon and Deputy Speaker Fallah regarding the earlier allegations did not materialize before publication.
The relevant authorities are yet to publicly clarify the reported US$21,000 payments and whether they form part of the benefits settlement being discussed.
