MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The country is gripped with anxiety following alarming reports of a life-threatening incident involving Representative Yekeh Kolubah of District #10, Montserrado County, and Mike B. Jabateh, the Assistant Minister for Urban Affairs at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The situation has kindled widespread fear and unease, compounded by the lack of a decisive response from both President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Liberia National Police.
Despite several weeks passing since the incident, the authorities have yet to issue any official statement or take visible action. This silence has fueled speculation and concern among the populace, with rumors circulating that Assistant Minister Jabateh has been openly boasting about his job security. It is alleged that Jabateh claims he has received tacit approval from the President to issue threats against Representative Kolubah, whom he accuses of disrespecting the President and his family.
The incident in question dates back to Wednesday, July 24, 2024, when Representative Kolubah, a well-known critic of the Boakai administration, received a life-threatening warning from Jabateh during a telephone conversation. Jabateh chillingly declared that he would “bring machinery to kill” the lawmaker, giving him a three-week ultimatum. This brazen threat has sent shockwaves across the nation, raising serious concerns about the safety of opposition figures in Liberia.
Kolubah has been a relentless critic of President Boakai and his administration, often using his platform to denounce what he sees as government failings and abuses of power. His outspoken nature has made him a target for political opponents, but the latest threat has taken the tension to a dangerous new level.
The Liberian public is now looking to President Boakai to address these disturbing developments and reassure the nation that such behavior will not be tolerated, regardless of the political affiliations involved. The silence from the Presidency and the police is increasingly being viewed as a tacit endorsement of the alleged threats, which could have far-reaching implications for the rule of law and the safety of all citizens.
Civil society organizations and political analysts have expressed deep concern over the situation, urging the government to act swiftly to ensure the safety and security of Representative Kolubah and to demonstrate a commitment to upholding the rule of law. Many fear that if left unchecked, this incident could set a dangerous precedent for political intimidation and violence in Liberia.
Despite weeks passing, the situation remains tense, with the public anxiously awaiting a statement from President Boakai that will hopefully bring clarity and calm to the growing unrest. Madam Grace RK Guar, a prominent Liberian civil society figure, recently expressed her concerns, telling Smart News Liberia, “In a nation still healing from years of civil conflict, the need for strong, decisive leadership is more critical than ever. The handling of this incident will likely be seen as a test of the administration’s commitment to protecting democratic principles and the rights of all its citizens.”
