By: Alphanso G. Kalama;

Picture: Representative Augustine B. Chiewolo sits Left and Hawa Thomas, a Registered Nurse Stands Right

Salayea, Lofa County – Concern is rising in Lofa County after District #5 Representative Augustine B. Chiewolo allegedly used his political influence to block the government employment of Registered Nurse Hawa Thomas, forcing her to return to his private health facility.

Hawa Thomas, who worked for nearly a decade at Faith Clinic, a private clinic owned by Rep. Chiewolo was recently assigned by the Lofa County Health Team to the Salayea Propose Health Center as a government employee. However, she now faces threats and intimidation allegedly orchestrated by the lawmaker, who also serves as Co-chair on Labour Committee.

Thomas told reporters that after resigning from Faith Clinic due to alleged mistreatment, she was relieved to have earned government employment. But soon after receiving her employment letter in November 5, 2024, she was shocked to learn that the County Health Officer (CHO), Moses U. Weidehgar, ordered her to abandon her new assignment and return to work at Faith Clinic.

“I don’t want to hear anything from you, my decision has been made! Go back to Faith Clinic or you leave it!” she quoted the CHO as saying.

Weidehgar reportedly threatened to suspend the head of the Salayea Health Center if Hawa was allowed to work there. He further instructed the Officer-In-Charge of the district to monitor Hawa at the Faith Clinic or risk suspension.

In an emotional interview, Hawa revealed that Rep. Chiewolo personally warned her she would not be allowed to work in the same city as his clinic, claiming her presence would threaten his business.

“For me, all I could do was cry because I don’t have the power to fight the Representative,” Hawa said tearfully.

When contacted, Rep. Chiewolo admitted that he intervened, claiming the nurse’s assignment was “politically motivated” and would undermine his clinic because she knows everyone in the area after eight years of service.

“The proximity is too close. You can’t take someone who worked for me for eight years and assign them right in front of my clinic. It undermines my business,” Rep. Chiewolo stated.

Chiewolo vowed to raise the issue on the House floor, insisting that Hawa should be transferred elsewhere, far from his clinic.

Meanwhile, when contacted, CHO Weidehgar downplayed the incident, claiming his focus was on development. However, earlier media reports confirmed he acknowledged Hawa’s right to work where she feels comfortable.

The ongoing saga has sparked public outrage, raising serious concerns about the abuse of power, conflict of interest, and the influence of politicians over public sector appointments.

As it stands, Hawa Thomas remains in limbo, with her hard-earned government job at risk, caught between a lawmaker’s personal interests and her professional right to serve.