Monrovia, Liberia – Mr. Jeremiah Edison Paye has formally resigned as Chief of Office Staff (COS) in the office of Hon. Jerry K. Yogboh, Representative of Electoral District #12, Montserrado County. His resignation comes after two years, one month, and eight days of service in the lawmaker’s office.
Announcing his decision at a press conference, Paye said he felt compelled to address the citizens of District #12 despite suggestions from some members of the House of Representatives that he should refrain from speaking publicly. He stated that as the principal bridge between the constituents and the Representative, he owed the people an explanation for his departure.
Paye began by extending an apology to the citizens of District #12, Montserrado County, acknowledging the role he played in supporting and strategizing Hon. Yogboh’s successful electoral bid. He recounted sacrificing his employment at the National Social Security & Welfare Corporation and returning from graduate studies abroad to serve as chief strategist for the 2023 campaign, believing Yogboh represented hope, development, and transformative leadership for the district.
According to Paye, his expectations of progressive and people-centered leadership were not met. He described a pattern of unilateral decision-making, including the Representative’s decision to join the Citizens Movement for Change despite prior internal agreements to remain independent. He also cited what he termed the abandonment of the district during legislative breaks and the failure to complete key development projects, including an unfinished administrative building.
He expressed concern over what he described as a lack of transparency regarding the district’s share of the 2025 Legislative Project Fund disbursed through the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He further alleged that operational funds intended for district and Capitol offices were not adequately allocated, and that the FOY Scholarship Scheme had stalled, leaving parents and partner institutions unpaid.
Paye pointed to strained relationships between the Representative and members of the Friends of Yogboh political structure, as well as community leaders within the District Leadership Council. He lamented the absence of a signature development project beyond the Kesselly Boulevard Multi-Purpose Hall constructed through the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment.
On national issues, he criticized what he described as the Representative’s failure to take clear positions on major legislative instruments and concession agreements involving companies such as Otranto Petroleum, TotalEnergies, Ivanhoe Atlantic, and ArcelorMittal Liberia. He also accused the lawmaker of not advocating strongly for workers facing alleged poor labor conditions at the Monrovia Industrial Park.
Additionally, Paye cited what he described as threats against staff who disagreed with internal decisions, a lack of consultation in office matters, limited responsiveness to constituents’ concerns, and insufficient oversight of public funds, including the County and Social Development Funds. He characterized the Representative’s posture toward critics as arrogant and dismissive.
In his remarks, Paye broadened his criticism to the Legislature as a whole, describing it as an institution plagued by self-interest, weak oversight, and systemic inefficiencies. He decried what he called excessive benefits enjoyed by lawmakers amid widespread hardship among ordinary Liberians.
Despite acknowledging that his resignation leaves him without a stable source of income, even after a recent salary increment for COS staffers, Paye said his decision was guided by principles of integrity, accountability, and loyalty to the people of District #12. He emphasized that he could not compromise his character for position or salary.
Paye concluded by announcing that he has severed all political ties with Representative Yogboh and will begin consultations with stakeholders on the future direction of the district. He called for grassroots mobilization aimed at restoring accountable and people-focused representation in District #12.
He expressed gratitude to the citizens for their support during his tenure and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the public interest.
