REP. KOLLEH ACCUSE OF DENYING STATE FUNERAL FOR FORMER SUAKOKO DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE SAMUEL BONDO

By Matalay Kollie

February 11, 2025

SUAKOKO: What appears to be a blame game is being played among family members of the late Suakoko District Representative Samuel Bondo and Bong County Electoral District Two Representative James M. Kolleh.

Family Members of the late Samuel Bondo are blaming Representative Kolleh for allegedly denying a State Burial and Refusing a Book of Condolences for the late lawmaker at the Capitol Building.

During the burial of late Representative Bondo, families of the fallen state man accused, Rep. Kolleh of receiving a communication from the family on January 28, informing him of Mr. Bondo’s death. The Late Representative Bondo served one term in Suakoko District from 2005 to 2011 but passed away weeks ago.

In accordance with longstanding tradition, family members had hoped that the fallen lawmaker could be buried as a former state man, but to no avail.

However, the family noted that despite previous discussions and communication to Rep. Kolleh who is the Chair on Rules and Order and Administration at the House of Representatives to allow such arrangements but reportedly refused to open a book of condolence for former representative Bondo.

According to Amos Flomo and Richard Perry, Rep. Kolleh also refused to honor their request for lying in the state of the fallen lawmaker at the House of Representatives. However, the office assistant to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, Madam Sarah Saylee, confirmed receiving communication from the family members of Honorable Bondo concerning his death.

But Madam Saylee said the letter that was submitted to the chief Clerk’s office didn’t include the life sketch of Hon. Bondo. When contacted Rep. Kolleh on the matter, he strongly rejected the allegations, offering a counter-explanation terming it as lies

According to Rep. Kolleh, family members of late Representative Samuel Bondo failed to provide the necessary calendar of events to the House of Representatives which he said is a critical requirement for such a ceremony at the Honorable House of Representatives. Rep. Kolleh also accused the family of refusing to engage in the proper communication channels, which led to the delay in giving former Representative Bondo a state burial.