Controversy erupted among lawmakers of the 55th Legislature regarding the allocation of the 2024 District Development Fund.
The situation led to heated debate over transparency and accountability in the disbursement process of the funds.
At the center of the controversy is Montserrado County District #8 Representative Prince Toles.
Toles boldly claimed that all lawmakers have received their allocations for the District Development Fund.
In an interview with OK FM on Monday, April 6, 2026, Toles urged fellow legislators to stop misleading their constituents, and to utilize the funds for meaningful community development projects.
“I think lawmakers should stop deceiving their people in the districts and use the District Development Fund to undertake tangible projects,” Toles urged.
He added that his colleagues have received their allocations, but are not being truthful with their constituents.
“What I can say is that all lawmakers have received their allocations, but they are not being honest with their people.”
In sharp reactions, Representatives Yekeh Kolubah and Edward Flomo challenged Toles’ claims.
The duo vehemently denied receiving any funds from district development.
“I have not received any allocation, and we will not be silenced,” Kolubah said.”
He stated further that his commitment to transparency and accountability remain undisputable.
Kolubah said, he intent to confront Rep. Toles politically, expressed concerns about the latter’s character.
He called for proof of the allocations.
“I will address Prince Toles politically until he shows proof,” Kolubah insisted, signaling a potential escalation in political tensions within the legislature.
Adding another layer to the discussion was Julius Salee, Executive Director of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), who provided insight into the procedures for accessing the District Development Fund.
Salee confirmed that while there are established protocols for lawmakers to obtain their allocations, not all have adhered to them.
He revealed how he had previously reached out to House Speaker Richard Koon, requested that lawmakers submit their project plans to LACE.
However, some lawmakers failed to comply, which has contributed to the ongoing confusion regarding distribution of the funds.
“I wrote to Koon, requesting all lawmakers to forward their project plans to LACE, but some of them did not submit theirs,” Salee explained, indicating that this lack of adherence to protocol has resulted in some lawmakers not receiving their allocations.
The unfolding controversy has raised critical questions about the management of District Development Funds, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and accountability.
With conflicting statements from lawmakers and Salee, the public is left to wonder as to who is telling the truth?