MONROVIA – The House of Representatives’ Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration is set to hold a hearing on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, to address allegations against Montserrado County District 10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah. The committee’s decision to proceed comes despite Kolubah’s refusal to recognize its authority or participate in the inquiry.
Committee Chair James Kolleh confirmed that the hearing would move forward as scheduled and emphasized that the committee is committed to ensuring transparency and due process. According to Kolleh, the committee will carefully review testimonies from several complainants who accuse Kolubah of consistently violating the House’s standing rules and disrupting proceedings. He indicated that the findings could lead to severe disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion, if deemed appropriate.
Kolubah has openly rejected the legitimacy of the committee and the House’s majority bloc leadership. In a letter dated February 24, 2025, addressed to Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon, he argued that the committee’s authority is invalid under the Liberian Constitution. Kolubah cited a recent Supreme Court ruling, which he claimed renders decisions made by the majority bloc unconstitutional in the absence of a properly elected Speaker. He further asserted that any action by the House without adhering to constitutional provisions is null and void.
The District 10 lawmaker accused the Chief Clerk and the majority bloc of disregarding the law and acting beyond their legal authority. In his letter, he warned Sayon to cease further communication on behalf of the bloc, describing their actions as illegitimate and unconstitutional. Kolubah maintained that he would not cooperate with any inquiry conducted under the leadership of District 11 Representative Richard Koon, whom he refuses to recognize as Speaker.
The dispute traces back to a controversial session held on January 21, 2025, at the Monrovia City Corporation. The session was relocated after a fire destroyed the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024. During the proceedings, Kolubah challenged Koon’s authority and demanded the removal of any documents identifying him as Speaker. Kolubah argued that Koon’s election was unlawful and insisted he would not participate in any House activities until the matter was resolved.
In November 2024, the Majority Bloc, consisting of 50 lawmakers, declared the Speaker position vacant and elected Koon in a joint session. The decision, read by Deputy Chief Clerk Comicks Chea, was immediately contested by Kolubah and other supporters of former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Since Koon’s election, Kolubah has repeatedly refused to acknowledge his authority, further escalating tensions within the legislative body.
Despite Kolubah’s defiance, Kolleh stated that the committee remains undeterred and will continue to fulfill its mandate. He emphasized that no lawmaker is above the rules of the House and warned that failure to cooperate could result in disciplinary measures. Kolleh reiterated the committee’s commitment to protecting the House’s integrity, stressing that the outcome of the hearing would be presented to the plenary for final action.
The ongoing leadership battle has deepened divisions within the House of Representatives. While Koon’s allies insist his election was legitimate, opponents like Kolubah argue that it violates constitutional provisions. The committee’s forthcoming recommendation could further heighten the power struggle, with potential consequences for Kolubah’s future as a member of the House.
