A heated argument erupted Tuesday, July 1, 2025 on the ground of the Home of Representatives over delays within the issuance of gasoline coupons to lawmakers, practically leading to a bodily altercation between co-presiding Sekou Kanneh and Bong County District #3 Consultant Josiah Marvin Cole.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Stress flared throughout the common session when a number of lawmakers expressed frustration over what they described as an “unjustified delay” within the distribution of gasoline coupons, that are used to facilitate their transportation and legislative duties.
The state of affairs escalated when Consultant Cole, visibly agitated, accused the Home’s management of hoarding the coupons or selectively distributing them.
As lawmakers, together with Eugene Kollie of Bong County District #5, expressed their frustration over the declare of a nine-month delay within the issuance of gasoline coupons.
And as they spoke throughout the ground in frustration, one of many lawmakers remarked, slamming a desk: What sort of nonsense is that this? We’re being handled like beggars in our personal proper.”
One other member fired again, accusing colleagues of being ungrateful and politicizing a logistical difficulty. The disagreement rapidly turned private as Rep. Cole, who initially started expressing his frustration on the ground moved as much as the presiding desk. And amid trade of phrases for phrases, co-presiding Kanneh went out of anger and management jumped from his seat in an try to affix in a bodily struggle with Rep. Cole.
The state of affairs prompted one of many sergeant-at-arms and a gaggle of lawmakers to step in to separate the 2 members of their aggressive posture.
Deputy Speaker and presiding officer of the day, Thomas Panger Fallah, was compelled to name the session to order and cautioned members in opposition to resorting to violence or public embarrassment.
Deputy Speaker Fallah, additionally in a vexing temper, took a number of minutes to warn Rep. Cole in opposition to repeated acts of at all times disrespecting his gable.
“I’ve the gable and you need to respect this gable. Don’t push me to train this gable in opposition to you to ask you out of session, please…”
This isn’t the primary time lawmakers have clashed over logistical assist and entitlements.
Nonetheless, as we speak’s near-physical struggle underscores rising pressure inside the Decrease Home amid considerations over administrative delays within the issuance of gasoline distribution.
