By Socrates Smythe Saywon | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has weighed in on the controversial expulsion of Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah, saying she does not believe a lawmaker should lose his seat over comments made under the principle of freedom of speech.
Speaking during an interview on Thursday, April 30, 2026, Liberia’s former head of state questioned the decision taken by members of the House of Representatives and warned against punishing elected officials solely for speech.
“I don’t think this is the way to go. I don’t think someone should be expelled because of freedom of speech,” Sirleaf said. “I signed the independence of freedom of speech. I don’t think someone should be overly disturbed when people say things.”
She continued by stressing that while speech can be controversial or offensive, expulsion should not be the first remedy available to lawmakers.
“I certainly do not think it should be a reason for someone to bear such penalty. There are other ways to curb that. Freedom of speech is something that we must respect. That’s what makes good governance,” the former President added.
Kolubah was officially expelled from the Legislature on April 17, 2026, after lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of the motion. A total of 49 out of 73 members of the House of Representatives supported the decision, meeting the required two-thirds constitutional majority needed to remove a sitting lawmaker.
The action followed the submission of a report by the House Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, which reviewed allegations linked to remarks made by Kolubah concerning the Liberia-Guinea border dispute.
Kolubah, an independent lawmaker serving his second term, had previously supported the Unity Party during the 2023 presidential elections that brought President Joseph Boakai to power, despite once being seen as politically independent.
The controversy began after Kolubah returned from Ghana in March and appeared in an interview with Spoon TV, where he reportedly stated that the disputed border land belongs to Guinea and claimed residents of Lofa County were aware of it.
His remarks triggered public backlash and anger within the Legislature, with several lawmakers arguing that the statement undermined Liberia’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
Following the House’s return to special sitting on April 9, 2026, after a call by President Boakai, Montserrado County District #3 Representative Sumo K. Mulbah filed a formal complaint seeking an investigation into Kolubah’s comments.
Mulbah described the statement as reckless and requested that the House either suspend Kolubah for six months or permanently expel him from office.
In his petition, Mulbah cited Article 76 of the Liberian Constitution, arguing that any advocacy for the surrender of Liberian territory could be interpreted as treason under the Penal Law. He also accused Kolubah of gross misconduct, violating his oath of office, breaching House rules, and bringing the Legislature into public disrepute.
