By By: Alphanso G. Kalama
Lofa, Liberia – Senator Joseph K. Jallah, who also serves as Chairman of the Lofa Legislative Caucus, is under fire from residents of Lofa County amid allegations of poor leadership. The backlash follows claims that Jallah has failed to uphold his campaign promises since his election in 2022, with citizens accusing him of neglecting his constituency.
During a recent phone-in talk show on Alternative Youth Radio (AYR), local residents expressed their frustrations. They alleged that Jallah has not only abandoned his duties but also been dismissive and disrespectful when approached for help.
Kekulah Jame, chairman of The Friends of Jallah in Salayea, recounted a distressing encounter, saying, “I called the senator to inquire if he took someone to be with him from Salayea but the profane languages he used on me, when I repeat them here you will feel bad.”
The radio program aimed to assess Jallah’s performance, but many callers from Salayea, Zorzor, Voinjama, and Kolahun voiced their disappointment, claiming Lofa is underrepresented in the Senate. They described Jallah’s election as a blunder and a setback for the county. Residents complained that his sporadic visits to the county are often orchestrated by fellow lawmaker Thomas P. Fallah.
A Fissebu resident, Madam Krubo Howard, revealed that “The only way we will get Cllr. Jallah is to contact T5. When we contact Thomas Fallah, he will contact Cllr. Jallah for us.” Many critics have labeled the CDC legislator as the worst leader Lofa has had, accusing him of being insensitive to the county’s issues and ignoring advice.
Oliver S. Paye, a citizen of Zorzor District, highlighted that since Jallah’s ascension to the Senate, he has failed to organize any town hall meetings to address local concerns. Paye criticized Jallah for his lack of intervention amidst ongoing road infrastructure challenges.
Efforts to reach Senator Jallah for a response have been unsuccessful. Our Senior Reporter made multiple attempts to contact him via phone and other communication channels without success.
Jallah, who won his Senate seat as an independent candidate in the 2022 election following a legal dispute involving former Defense Minister Brownie J. Samukai and the government of Liberia, continues to face significant scrutiny and discontent from his constituents.
