-Authorizes Forcible Break-In of Rep. Kolubah’s vehicle
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia – Tensions within Liberia’s House of Representatives reached a new peak on Tuesday as officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) accompanied an unidentified individual to forcibly break into a vehicle belonging to Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah. The incident, which occurred on the grounds of the Capitol Building, has further deepened the political rift between Kolubah and the House’s Majority Bloc, led by Representative Richard Nagbe Koon.
According to our legislative reporter, the vehicle was parked in a slot traditionally reserved for the Speaker’s vehicle. Koon, who represents Montserrado County District #11, had instructed the removal of Kolubah’s vehicle to make space for his own. LNP officers stood guard as the unidentified individual used a drill to forcibly open the vehicle’s door. Once the door was breached, an officer entered the vehicle and attempted to release the handbrake to facilitate its removal. However, they were unable to have it removed.
Yekeh Reacts
Following the occurrence, Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah claimed that $25,000 USD, along with 2 million LRD, his Dell laptop, and iPhone, went missing after his car was forcibly broken into on the orders of Representative Richard Koon.
He vows to reciprocate the action on Representative Koon’s vehicle if he doesn’t get proper redress from the Liberia National Police (LNP). His words, “My Car is being burst into by Richard Koon, if I go to the court and can’t get redress from the court to bring all my things that went missing from my car, I will burst Richard Koon Car. If I na do it, my Ma da my wife.”
The Liberia National Police (LNP) forensic team conduct an examination on the vehicle and it was later towed from the Speaker’s parking space—a move that many Liberians believed would have been more appropriate, rather than damaging the lawmaker’s car.
Meanwhile, the two Police Support Unit (PSU) Officers assigned at the Capitol Building have been recalled in connection to Tuesday’s occurrence at the Capitol Building. They include: Sergeant Sam C. F. Karbor and Chief Inspector of Police Frank P. Banda.The officers are currently undergoing investigation at the LNP’s Professional Standards Division.
Latest in a series
The altercation early Tuesday is the latest in a series of confrontations between Kolubah and Representative Koon, whose election as Speaker on November 21, 2024, has been mired in controversy. Kolubah, a vocal critic of Koon’s leadership, is among several lawmakers who have refused to recognize Koon’s speakership, alleging that his election was fraudulent and violated constitutional procedures.
A Controversial Speakership
Koon’s ascent to the speakership followed a contentious leadership crisis that began on October 17, 2024, when 47 members of the 55th Legislature initiated moves to oust Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, citing allegations of misconduct. The election process was further clouded by allegations of bribery, with Gbarpolu County Representative Luther Collins publicly admitting to receiving an initial payment of $15,000 as part of a scheme to secure support for Koffa’s removal.
Collins revealed that the total amount earmarked for each lawmaker involved in the endeavor was $25,000, with sources suggesting that the funds were made available by the Executive Branch.
At a recent public engagement in Montserrado County, Representative Koon openly declared himself the “regime Speaker” and stated that the primary motive behind Koffa’s removal was the government’s unwillingness to have an “opposition Speaker.” This declaration has only fueled the resolve of Kolubah and other lawmakers to challenge Koon’s legitimacy.
Ongoing Investigations and Allegations
The incident comes amid an ongoing investigation by the House of Representatives Committee on Rules, Order & Administration into allegations of misconduct against Representative Kolubah. In a letter dated January 30, 2025, River Gee County District #3 Representative Johnson S.N. Williams, Sr., accused Kolubah of multiple violations of the House’s standing rules and procedures.
The complaint cites a specific incident on January 28, 2025, during a House session, where Kolubah allegedly insulted fellow lawmakers, disrespected the Speaker’s authority, and disrupted proceedings. Williams also referenced an incident where Kolubah publicly referred to his colleagues as “Juntas” outside the chambers, a violation of House rules that mandate members to uphold the prestige and dignity of the legislative body.
Williams warned that Kolubah’s behavior not only tarnishes the House’s reputation but also sets a dangerous precedent for Liberia’s youth, particularly as his actions are amplified through social media. He called for decisive action to restore the House’s integrity and deter future misconduct.
A History of Confrontation
This investigation follows a recent incident where Kolubah was forcibly removed from a House session after refusing to recognize Koon as Speaker. During the session, Kolubah declared, “Richard Koon is not the Speaker. I only recognize Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah,” sparking a heated reaction from
Koon’s supporters.
The House Committee on Rules, Order & Administration is expected to report its findings to the plenary within two weeks. However, sources suggest that the committee, dominated by members of the Majority Bloc, is poised to recommend Kolubah’s suspension. This move would mirror previous actions taken against seven other lawmakers who have opposed Koon’s leadership.
