-As He Faces Probe by the House’s Committee on Rules, Order & Administration Over Alleged Misconduct
By Jerromie S. Walters
The House of Representatives Committee on Rules, Order & Administration has been tasked to investigate a complaint against Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah, who stands accused of multiple violations of the House’s standing rules and procedures.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker and members of the House on Thursday, January 30, 2025, Representative Johnson S.N. Williams, Sr., of District 3 in River Gee County, expressed his grave concerns regarding Hon. Kolubah’s conduct since the onset of the Second Session of the 55th Legislature. Williams alleges that Kolubah has engaged in behaviors that undermine the integrity and decorum of the legislative body.
The House of Representatives Committee on Rules, Order & Administration has been tasked with investigating the complaint and is expected to report back to plenary within two weeks. However, it is hinted that the body is resolved to come up with a decision to suspend the lawmaker, especially when the said committee has been taken over by a stunt member of the majority bloc that has also led to the suspension of about seven lawmakers.
The complaint
The complaint cites the specific incident from January 28, 2025, during a House session, where Kolubah allegedly insulted fellow members, disrespected the Speaker’s authority, and disrupted proceedings. According to Williams, these actions violate Section 42.2 of the House’s standing rules, which govern the conduct of its members.
Additionally, the complaint details an incident where Kolubah publicly referred to his colleagues as “Juntas” outside the chambers, contravening Rule 42.1. This rule mandates that every member must uphold the prestige and dignity of the legislative body at all times.
Williams emphasized that Kolubah’s behavior not only tarnishes the House’s reputation but also sets a troubling example for the youth of Liberia. He warned that if such conduct goes unaddressed, it could foster a culture of violence and immorality in leadership, particularly as it is amplified through social media.
In light of these serious allegations, Williams is calling for decisive action against Hon. Kolubah. He believes that a strong response is essential to restore the House’s image and deter similar misconduct in the future.
A Flashback
This investigation comes on the heels of a recent incident where Representative Yekeh Kolubah was forcibly removed from a regular session of the House after openly rejecting to recognize Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon, as the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia.
The altercation began shortly after the day’s agenda was read, when Kolubah, a vocal critic of President Joseph Boakai’s administration, declared, “Richard Koon is not the Speaker. I only recognize Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah.” This statement provoked a heated reaction from Koon’s supporters within the chamber.
Tensions had already escalated in the House of Representatives on October 17, 2024, when 47 members sought to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa over allegations of misconduct. On November 21, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon was controversially elected as the “new Speaker,” a move many lawmakers labeled fraudulent.
Among Koon’s supporters were River Gee District #3 Representative Johnson S.N. Williams and Montserrado District #8 Representative Prince Toles, who accused Kolubah of disrupting the session and disrespecting the Majority Bloc leadership.
In response to Kolubah’s defiance, Speaker Koon instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove him from the chamber. Although Kolubah initially resisted, he was ultimately escorted out while continuing to assert his rejection of Koon’s authority.
Speaking to reporters outside the chamber, Kolubah remained unyielding, stating, “Koon is desperate. He is not the Speaker, and I will never recognize him as such. As far as I’m concerned, Fonati Koffa is the only legitimate Speaker of the House.” He further accused the Boakai administration of orchestrating what he termed an “illegal leadership structure” within the legislature, claiming that Koon’s election was undemocratic and indicative of the administration’s attempts to consolidate power.
