A shift in the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) leadership has generated intense disagreement following the official announcement of the expulsion of former President Banica S. Elliott.
In a letter dated December 26, 2024, the National Executive Council (NEC) of FLY, led by Acting President Jeremiah B. Wilson, revealed that Elliott’s expulsion was in accordance with Article 11 of the FLY Constitution, marking a dramatic turn of events for the youth organization.
The communication, addressed to Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, Minister of Youth and Sports, was signed by Jereniah B. Wilson. In it, FLY confirmed the reconstitution of its leadership structure, reflecting the organization’s commitment to democratic principles and effective youth representation. As per the letter, the new leadership lineup includes Acting President Jeremiah B. Wilson, Vice President for International Affairs Abdullah O. Bility, and several other regional coordinators and deputy secretaries. The new appointments include Emmanuel Tamba as Region 1 Coordinator, Benetta Kollie as Region 2 Coordinator, Max-lord Hinson as Region 3 Coordinator, Raphael Weah as Deputy Secretary for Administration, Samuel Kpartor as Deputy Secretary for Programs, and Rosetta Fardolo as Deputy Secretary for Finance.
Despite the official announcement, Elliott has clarified that she intends to challenge the decision. In a public statement, she reiterated her position as the legitimate President of FLY, claiming she still has nine months left in her tenure. Elliott emphasized that the leadership issues within the organization had been resolved in her favor, and she remains committed to working collaboratively with her colleagues for the institution’s benefit. “I remain the legitimate President of FLY,” Elliott stated. “I have spoken to my colleagues, and we all agreed to work together for the institution’s good.”
The decision to expel Elliott has generated division within the organization, with some members voicing their support for her leadership. Notably, one individual previously labeled as Vice President for International Affairs distanced himself from the new leadership structure, stating that the leadership issues within FLY were now settled and asserting that Elliott should continue in her role as President.
As the leadership dispute intensifies, some former presidents of FLY, who requested anonymity, told Verity News in aligned statements on Saturday, December 28, that the future of the Federation of Liberian Youth remains uncertain. They voiced concerns that the National Executive Council’s decision to reconstitute the leadership has further deepened the rift within the organization, raising questions about its stability and future direction. However, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, led by Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, has yet to comment on the ongoing conflict, and it remains unclear how the situation will evolve in the coming weeks.
While some members argue that the leadership changes reflect a desire for progress and unity within FLY, others fear the ongoing turmoil could undermine the organization’s ability to represent Liberia’s youth effectively. With both sides of the leadership clash staking their claims, the Federation of Liberian Youth will face significant challenges as it seeks to move forward.
