Rep. Kolubah Dragged from Session for Refusing to Recognize Rep. Koon As House Speaker
By Jerromie S. Walters
Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah was forcibly removed from a regular session of the House of Representatives on Tuesday after he openly rejected the authority of Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon, who serves as the Majority Bloc Speaker.
The incident unfolded 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.” His statement ignited a heated response from Koon’s supporters within the chamber.
Tensions heightened in the House of Representatives on October 17, 2024, when 47 members pursued to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa over allegations of misconduct. On November 21, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon was controversially elected as the “new Speaker.” Many lawmakers labeled his election fraudulent.
Among those supporting Koon 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 displaying disrespect toward the Majority Bloc leadership.
In light of 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 defiant, 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 labeled an “illegal leadership structure” within the legislature, claiming that Koon’s election was undemocratic and indicative of the administration’s attempts to consolidate power.
This incident has intensified existing tensions within the House, highlighting the growing divisions between supporters and critics of the Boakai administration. Observers have expressed concern that the ongoing power struggle could hinder the legislature’s ability to function effectively.
As of Tuesday, it remains uncertain what disciplinary actions, if any, will be taken against Kolubah for his conduct. However, Koon’s allies have called for stricter measures to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
The incident accentuates the ongoing divisions within the House, even as members of the Minority Bloc have resolved to align themselves with Rep. Koon to avoid potential expulsion over their prolonged absence.
