Tensions flared on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, as Grand Gedeh County District #3 Representative took to the floor on the 15th sitting of the 2nd Quarter of the 3rd Session to demand a formal investigation of Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah.
In a communication filed before Plenary, the lawmaker sought two actions: a public retraction from Deputy Speaker Fallah, and a House investigation into alleged comments made on Spoon Talk that questioned the leadership capacity of Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon.
According to the communication, Deputy Speaker Fallah told listeners on the widely followed Spoon Talk program that “Speaker Richard Koon needs to learn, grow, and change his attitude and approach to leadership.” The Grand Gedeh lawmaker also cited additional remarks attributed to the Deputy Speaker, stating that the Speaker is “lacking the leadership ability” and is still “learning on the job.”
Spoon Talk remains one of Liberia’s most influential political talk shows, and remarks made on the platform often shape national debate. The comments quickly circulated on social media and radio, raising questions about unity within the House’s top leadership.
Presenting the matter on the floor, the district #3 Representative argued that the remarks undermine the dignity of the Speaker’s office and project division at the top of the Legislature. “The Speaker is the face of this House. For the Deputy Speaker to go on a public platform and question his leadership ability is a disrespect not only to Speaker Koon, but to the entire membership of this Honorable Body,” the lawmaker told Plenary.
The lawmaker insisted that internal disagreements should be resolved within House structures, not aired publicly. He asked Plenary to mandate Deputy Speaker Fallah to publicly retract the statement, and institute an investigation to determine if the remarks violated House decorum and Standing Rules.
“Leadership must be seen to be united, especially at a time when the Legislature is under public scrutiny. We cannot afford to give the impression that the House is divided at the top,” the communication stressed.
Rule 49 of the House Standing Rules emphasizes decorum, respect for presiding officers, and the protection of the Legislature’s integrity. In recent months, Plenary has acted against members for public utterances deemed to bring the institution into disrepute.
Citing precedent, the lawmaker referenced the House’s handling of Representative Yekeh Kolubah over public comments related to border disputes, as well as engagements involving Representatives Marvin Cole and the communicant, Representative Jacob Debee.
While the communication triggered debate, the District #7 lawmaker raised a motion for leadership to take hold of the matter to de-escalate the situation and prevent further public fallout. Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah represents Lofa County District #2 and is a senior figure in the current leadership. He has been a close ally of Speaker Koon since the start of the 55th Legislature.
In a communication to Plenary, Deputy Speaker Fallah retracted his statement, which was read by the Chief Clerk during the Session after Representative Jacob Debee’s communication. “I have been informed, through today’s agenda of the Honorable House of Representatives in Session, of a communication from Hon. Jacob Debee, Representative of District #3, Grand Gedeh County, requesting a “retraction and investigation of a public statement” attributed to me during my appearance on Spoon Talk on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
“I wish to state clearly that my comments on Spoon Talk regarding my friend, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, were made in good faith and without any intent to mislead, malign, or undermine. I hereby retract it and offer my sincere apology.”
Speaker Koon and I share a longstanding personal relationship that predates our current roles in the Honorable House. I value that relationship deeply and have no intention of doing anything to jeopardize the mutual respect and camaraderie between us.” However, with House leadership now directly involved, observers expect a behind-the-scenes resolution aimed at preserving unity and public confidence in the Legislature.
