Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The Rule of Law Caucus strongly condemns the violent assault on Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah during a session of the House of Representatives. In a press statement, the Caucus described the incident as a grave assault on the rule of law and an egregious violation of Liberia’s democratic principles.
The incident has sparked a political deadlock within the House of Representatives, with members of the Rule of Law Caucus now attending sessions under Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon to avoid potential retribution for staying away. However, their presence has only deepened divisions within the House.
The Majority of Rule of Law Caucus members refuse to recognize Speaker Koon as legitimate, leading to heightened tensions. Speaker Koon ordered the removal of Rep. Kolubah from the chamber after he refused to acknowledge Koon’s authority, causing a heated exchange between Kolubah and Koon’s allies in the chamber.
Kolubah’s resistance to Speaker Koon’s authority outside the chamber led to his forcible removal by the House Sergeant-at-Arms and doormen. Kolubah maintained his stance that Koon was not the legitimate Speaker and accused the Boakai administration of orchestrating an “illegal leadership structure” in the legislature.
The Rule of Law Caucus pointed out that the Liberian Constitution guarantees lawmakers the right to express themselves freely without fear of harm or intimidation. The Caucus warned that the violent expulsion of Rep. Kolubah sets a dangerous precedent, undermining legislative independence and eroding democratic norms.
In response to the incident, the Rule of Law Caucus outlined a three-point action plan including Accountability, Legislative Security, and National Mobilization. The Caucus called for unity in defense of democracy and rejection of violence and lawlessness, emphasizing the importance of upholding justice, equality, and accountability.
The attack on Rep. Kolubah has ignited outrage across Liberia, reflecting growing political tensions and diminishing respect for democratic norms. Civil society groups and human rights advocates have joined the Caucus in demanding accountability and measures to prevent similar incidents.