Concerns have mounted among residents of Electoral District #2, River Gee County, over the prolonged vacancy of the Chief of Office Staff (COS) position in Representative Isaac Boy Choloplay Wou’s office.
The role of COS is key to the office, but has remained unfilled for more than 90 days since the former was removed.
The position, responsible for coordinating office operations, handling constituent concerns, and managing communication between the lawmaker and the district, has been vacant since February, 2026.
Electorates say, the delay to appoint new COS in the office of the lawmaker, has “undermined transparency, efficiency and public trust in the office’s management.”
The vacancy follows the dismissal of former COS, S.T. Marcus Solkroe, whose services was terminated effective January 31, 2026.
According to his dismissal letter dated January 22, 2026, Solkroe was removed after internal investigations found him liable for “serious administrative and ethical violations.”
He was investigated for abuse of office, conflict of interest, breach of institutional trust, and using his position for personal benefit.
The letter stated that Solkroe violated the office’s core principles of integrity, accountability, transparency, and loyalty, thus exposing the institution to “reputational and operational risks.”
Despite being aware of the established policies and code of conduct, Solkroe “failed to comply, leaving the office with no alternative, but to terminate his services,” the document noted.
More than three months later, Rep. Wou has yet to name a replacement. The delay has drawn criticism from constituents, who view the delay as a lack of urgency and commitment to effective governance.
“The COS is the engine of the lawmaker’s office. Without one, who handles our concerns?” asked a resident of Chedepo.
Adding to public concern are unverified reports alleging that the COS salary account has been reassigned to an individual with close ties to the Wou.
It is further claimed that Rep. Wou retains control of the account through Afriland First Bank.
These allegations remain unconfirmed, and Rep. Wou’s office has not issued an official response up to press time late last night.
The leadership gap continues to raise questions about accountability, and resource management in the district. Residents have meanwhile, called for clarity on both the appointment delay and the handling of administrative funds tied to the COS position.
Rep. Wou, a first term lawmaker from the (now) opposition Coalition for Democratic Change, also chairs the House Committee on Labor.
As pressure builds, constituents in District #2 have demanded prompt action and public clarification from Wou to restore confidence in the office.
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