By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – A political storm is brewing in Montserrado County’s District #12 following the resignation of Mr. Jeremiah Edison Paye, former Chief of Office Staff to Representative Jerry K. Yogboh, who has launched a blistering critique of the lawmaker’s leadership, performance, and commitment to the people.
In a resignation statement delivered on February 24, 2026, Paye did not hold back as he detailed what he described as systemic failures and broken promises under Representative Yogboh’s administration.
Addressing citizens, the press, and stakeholders, Paye said his decision to resign came after “two years, one month, and eight days” of service, emphasizing that he could no longer remain part of what he sees as a failing leadership structure.
“I feel compelled to tell the citizens why I resigned,” Paye declared, noting that despite advice from some members of the House of Representatives to remain silent, he owed the people an explanation.
In one of the most striking moments of his statement, Paye openly apologized to the people of District #12 for supporting Yogboh’s rise to power. “I extend my profound apology to the citizens of the district for the role I played in bringing Hon. Yogboh to power,” he admitted.
He continued with a stinging assessment: “The Jerry K. Yogboh that I saw, knew, and believed in before the 2023 elections has totally changed,” describing the lawmaker as now “360 degrees distant” from the humility and leadership qualities he once portrayed.
Paye painted a picture of deep frustration within the office, accusing Yogboh of being unresponsive, indifferent, and dismissive of both staff and constituents. According to him, repeated efforts to offer advice, strategies, and development plans were ignored.
“Over my period of service, I consistently engaged him and offered recommendations geared toward delivering development, but he failed to listen and act,” Paye asserted.
He further alleged that the lawmaker demonstrated “an apathetic, indifferent, and laid-back approach” to pressing district issues, adding that this has resulted in what he described as a “poor performance rating” as Yogboh enters his third year in office.
Among the major grievances listed were claims that Yogboh abandoned the district during legislative breaks, failed to complete key projects, and neglected promises made to constituents, including scholarship commitments.
Paye also raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability, particularly regarding the district’s share of public funds, including the 2025 legislative project fund and other development allocations.
“The representative has failed to give account of the district’s share of funds,” he stated, further accusing Yogboh of refusing to provide operational support for both Capitol Hill and district offices despite receiving annual allocations.
One of the most politically sensitive accusations involved Yogboh’s decision to align with the Citizens Movement for Change, which Paye described as “unilateral and ill-advised,” claiming it went against prior agreements with his team and supporters.
Beyond administrative failures, Paye criticized what he termed the lawmaker’s lack of legislative courage, citing Yogboh’s failure to take clear positions on major national issues and concession agreements affecting Liberia’s economy.
He also accused the representative of neglecting workers’ rights, particularly those employed in companies within the Monrovia Industrial Park, where Paye said “bad labor practices are meted out against voiceless citizens.”
Internally, Paye described a toxic working environment, alleging that staffers were subjected to intimidation, exclusion from decision-making, and constant threats of dismissal.
“The staffers who campaigned for them are treated like slaves,” Paye said in one of the most explosive parts of his statement, directly hitting at the leadership style of the lawmaker.
He further warned that such conduct would have political consequences, declaring, “The day of reckoning awaits them all in 2029,” a statement likely to intensify political tensions in the district ahead of future elections.
In a broader critique of governance, Paye extended his frustration beyond Yogboh, accusing members of the Legislature of prioritizing personal gain over public service. He pointed to benefits such as fuel allocations while ordinary Liberians struggle daily.
“It is a betrayal of the people’s trust for members of the Legislature to focus on what they can personally pocket,” he emphasized, highlighting what he described as systemic issues within Liberia’s political structure.
Despite acknowledging the financial uncertainty his resignation brings, Paye maintained that his decision was guided by principle. “I cannot compromise my integrity against the interest of the people just for a title and salary,” he declared.
He revealed that he is leaving the position without any alternative source of income, underscoring what he described as a sacrifice made in the interest of honesty and accountability.
Paye concluded by announcing plans to begin consultations with citizens and stakeholders on the future direction of District #12, signaling potential political ambitions or reform efforts.
“It is time for us to mobilize and restore genuine representation,” he urged, calling on residents to unite in redefining leadership in the district.
