MONROVIA – The House of Representatives of Liberia has expelled Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah after securing the required 49 votes, concluding a dramatic legislative process that has gripped national attention.
The decision, reached during plenary on Friday, follows days of heightened tension and internal debate, making it one of the most uncommon disciplinary actions taken by the Legislature in recent years. The move was based on a report from the House Committee on Rules, Order and Administration, which recommended Kolubah’s removal over conduct deemed inappropriate and damaging to national interest.
Crucially, the groundwork for Kolubah’s expulsion was laid a day earlier when Bong County District #6 Representative Moima Dabah Briggs-Mensah delivered a strong and emotionally charged statement on Thursday, April 16, sharply criticizing Kolubah’s behavior and urging adherence to institutional standards.
“I am deeply disappointed in the continued display of disrespect toward us, your colleagues,” Briggs-Mensah wrote. “Such conduct is unbecoming of a Member of the House of Representatives and falls far below the standards expected of anyone entrusted with public office.”
In her remarks, she questioned whether Kolubah was genuinely unaware of the House’s rules, emphasizing that all lawmakers are bound by established procedures and must be held accountable for their actions. She further condemned what she described as disrespect carried out not only by Kolubah but also by individuals acting on his behalf, warning that such conduct undermines the dignity of the legislature.
Briggs-Mensah struck a personal yet firm tone, acknowledging her relationship with Kolubah while making it clear that her constitutional duty supersedes any personal ties. “You remain my husband and my friend. However, when it comes to my constitutional duty as an institutional leader, I will always act in the best interest of my district and my country,” she stated, adding that leadership requires “impartiality, courage, and a firm commitment to principle above sentiment.”
Her statement went further to frame Kolubah’s position as a “public trust,” not personal property, stressing that accountability, humility, and respect are essential in public service. She declared that his recent conduct had “strengthened my resolve to support efforts toward your removal,” underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Beyond her criticism, Briggs Mensah also provided a legal and procedural justification for the expulsion, citing Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution, which grants the House authority to discipline and expel members with a two thirds majority. She outlined the standard legislative process from motion and committee review to plenary debate and final vote, arguing that due process had been fully observed in Kolubah’s case.
Her recommendation called for a calm, transparent debate followed by a lawful vote, warning that any deviation could erode public confidence in the Legislature. She also emphasized the importance of addressing unresolved concerns surrounding the Liberia–Guinea border issue, insisting that any violations must be thoroughly investigated.
Meanwhile, the House dismissed reports that a mandate from the Supreme Court of Liberia had halted the proceedings. Deputy Chief Clerk Tuah Woods clarified that no official communication had been received from the court, allowing lawmakers to proceed without legal obstruction.
The controversy originated from statements made by Kolubah during a Spoon TV broadcast, where he claimed that a disputed portion of Liberian territory belongs to Guinea. The remarks triggered outrage and prompted a formal complaint from Montserrado County District #3 Representative Sumo Molubah, with backing from the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Gregory O. Coleman.
Following its decision, the House has also mandated the Ministry of Justice to investigate Kolubah’s statements regarding the Liberia–Guinea border situation, signaling that the matter could extend beyond legislative discipline into potential legal consequences.
Kolubah’s expulsion now leaves a vacancy in Montserrado County District #10, setting the stage for a possible by-election.
