Monrovia — The House of Representatives has voted to expel Montserrado County District 10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah after securing 51 votes during Friday’s plenary session, marking one of the Legislature’s most decisive disciplinary actions in recent years.
The action follows a detailed report from the House Committee on Rules, Order and Administration (ROA), which investigated multiple complaints filed against Kolubah by Montserrado County District 3 Representative Sumo K. Mulbah and others, including concerns raised by the Liberia National Police.
According to the committee, the complaints centered on allegations of gross misconduct, repeated violations of House rules and procedures, breach of oath of office, and conduct deemed damaging to the image and credibility of the Legislature. Additional concerns highlighted issues of national security, public safety, and stability linked to statements attributed to the lawmaker.
The committee outlined that Kolubah was formally invited to appear before it and was granted additional time to prepare his defense. However, during the hearing, tensions escalated after his legal team requested to speak on his behalf and sought further delays to obtain evidence and documentation. The committee rejected these requests, maintaining that House procedures require members to speak for themselves, even while being guided by legal counsel.
Proceedings took a dramatic turn when Kolubah’s legal team walked out of the hearing, followed by the lawmaker himself. The committee then continued its deliberations, hearing from the complainant and reviewing evidence presented, which it said substantiated multiple violations of legislative rules.
In its findings, the committee emphasized that Kolubah’s actions undermined the dignity, authority, and public standing of the House. It cited specific provisions, including Rule 11 on the oath of office and Rule 42.1, which mandates that members uphold the prestige of the Legislature and avoid conduct considered unbecoming.
The report also drew on constitutional backing under Article 38 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which grants each chamber of the Legislature the authority to expel a member for cause with a two-thirds majority. The committee referenced past precedent, including the 1998 expulsion of Senator Sampson Bedell Fahn, to support its recommendation.
Based on its conclusions, the committee formally recommended Kolubah’s expulsion, which was subsequently adopted by the full House.
Beyond the expulsion, the House also mandated the Ministry of Justice to investigate Kolubah over statements related to the Liberia–Guinea border dispute, raising the possibility of further legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the Legislature dismissed reports suggesting that a Supreme Court order had been issued to halt the proceedings. Deputy Chief Clerk Tuah Woods clarified that no official communication was received from the Court to stop the process.
With the decision now finalized, attention shifts to the legal implications of the House’s action and the potential next steps from both the Ministry of Justice and other state institutions.
