By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – The House of Representatives leadership received a high-profile expulsion request against Montserrado County District 10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah, following remarks he allegedly made regarding Liberia’s border with Guinea. The matter officially landed on the desk of Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon during Monday’s leadership session, March 30, 2026.
Listed under “Business on the Speaker’s Desk, Count B,” the request formally seeks the expulsion of Rep. Kolubah, citing concerns over national security, public safety, and state stability. The motion comes after an earlier communication from Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman, which flagged Kolubah’s conduct as “raising serious concerns for national security and public stability.”
The session, the 8th day of the 1st quarter of the 3rd legislative session, opened with prayer and proceeded to the adoption of the day’s agenda. Among the items was a detailed call for committee reports and appearances by various officials to address other pressing issues, including revenue concerns from the China Union Tank Facility and subsidy irregularities outside the national budget.
At the heart of the controversy are remarks allegedly made by Kolubah on Spoon TV on March 20, 2026. During the broadcast, he reportedly stated that certain disputed areas along the Liberia–Guinea border rightfully belong to Guinea, sparking outrage from fellow legislators and national security officials.
The expulsion request has intensified debates within the legislature, as members weigh the seriousness of Kolubah’s statements against the principles of free speech and representation. Lawmakers have noted that any action taken could set a precedent for how border-related commentary and public statements by elected officials are treated.
It can be recalled, Montserrado County District 3 Representative Sumo K. Mulbah formally petitioned the House leadership on March 22, 2026, calling for Kolubah’s suspension or expulsion. Mulbah cited what he described as “acts incompatible with legislative office and violation of the oath of office,” invoking constitutional provisions for immediate action.
“I hereby submit a formal request to the House of Representatives to commence proceedings for immediate suspension or the expulsion of Honorable Yekeh Kolubah,” Mulbah wrote in his letter to Speaker Koon, referencing Article 17 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to petition the government for redress.
Mulbah’s petition described Kolubah’s statements as “reckless” and potentially damaging to Liberia’s sovereignty, particularly amid ongoing diplomatic discussions with Guinea. The communication also alleged possible violations of Article 76 of the 1986 Constitution concerning treason, arguing that publicly advocating the surrender of Liberian territory could be interpreted as an attempt to place the Republic under foreign control.
The lawmaker further accused Kolubah of breaching his constitutional oath of office under Article 31, which obligates legislators to “uphold, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.” Mulbah emphasized that any public suggestion of ceding territory constitutes a direct breach of this duty.
Beyond constitutional concerns, Mulbah’s letter raised procedural and legal issues under the House Standing Rules, specifically Rule 15, noting that Kolubah’s remarks “bring the House into disrepute, incite public fear, and threaten national security at a sensitive time for border relations.”
The petition also linked Kolubah’s comments to potential violations of Liberia’s Penal Law addressing acts that undermine state sovereignty, while acknowledging legislative immunity. Mulbah stressed that such protections do not extend to statements that could jeopardize the country’s territorial integrity.
“The territorial integrity of Liberia is inviolable and must always be upheld,” Mulbah declared during discussions surrounding the petition. He urged the House leadership to mandate its Committee on Rules and Order to investigate the matter and recommend sanctions, including suspension without pay or expulsion.
Mulbah further warned that failure to act decisively could embolden a culture of impunity. “The failure to prevent imprudent declarations against the state cultivates a culture of impunity among the populace,” he said, framing the matter as one of patriotism and national duty rather than political rivalry.
The Montserrado lawmaker also cited international standards, including Article 20(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), emphasizing that lawmakers must avoid speech that incites hostility or violence, especially on sensitive border matters.
In closing, Mulbah called on Kolubah to issue a public apology to the Liberian people and reaffirm his commitment to safeguarding the country’s territorial boundaries. The House of Representatives now faces mounting pressure to respond to a situation that could set a precedent for how legislators’ controversial statements are addressed in Liberia.
