Controversy erupted in Representative Yekeh Kolubah’s expulsion hearing after the committee first allowed his lawyers to speak, but later stopped them from representing him.
The issue grew when Kolubah’s legal team asked for additional days to gather evidence and prepare his defense. The committee denied the request and said Kolubah himself should respond to the allegations. A recess was then called.
After a 30-minute break, the committee explained that under its rules, lawyers cannot directly represent lawmakers during legislative hearings, but can only speak through the accused lawmaker.
Although they had earlier been allowed to present arguments, Kolubah’s lawyers were later denied the chance to speak further. In protest, they walked out of the hearing.
Kolubah was accompanied by Cllr. Kabineh Ja’neh, Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi, and Cllr. Moriah Yeakula.
Meanwhile, the committee has gone into executive session and is expected to report its findings to plenary in the coming sittings.
On Monday, Deputy Speaker, Thomas P. Fallah, signaled clear support for disciplinary actions against Representative Yekeh Kolubah, stating he will back an expulsion if it becomes the final decision of the Legislature.
The escalation centers on comments Kolubah made regarding a border dispute between
Liberia and Guinea, in which he reportedly claimed the disputed territory does not belong to Liberia.
During an appearance on the OK Morning Rush program on April 13, Fallah emphasized that Kolubah must be held accountable for statements that “undermine the sovereignty of our state”. He predicted that “action will be taken” regardless of Kolubah’s pushback.
The House Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration is currently investigating the matter. On April 14, the committee denied Kolubah’s request for a five-day extension to secure legal counsel, granting him only two days to return with a lawyer.
Meanwhile, Representative Kolubah has accused Deputy Speaker Fallah of masterminding a plot to remove him, an allegation Fallah has denied.
In a related development, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) National Executive Committee has reportedly expelled Thomas Fallah from the party, alleging he has “hijacked” the party and is not acting in its best interests.
The advocacy group STAND (Solidarity and Trust for a New Day) has warned against the expulsion, describing it as a “reckless push” to criminalize free speech and a diversion from severe national economic hardships.
Under the Liberian Constitution, the House of Representatives has the authority to discipline its members, including suspension or expulsion, typically requiring a two-thirds majority vote after due process.
Deputy Speaker, Thomas P. Fallah, has signaled clear support for disciplinary actions against Representative Yekeh Kolubah, stating he will back an expulsion if it becomes the final decision of the Legislature.
The escalation centers on comments Kolubah made regarding a border dispute between
Liberia and Guinea, in which he reportedly claimed the disputed territory does not belong to Liberia.
During an appearance on the OK Morning Rush program on April 13, Fallah emphasized that Kolubah must be held accountable for statements that “undermine the sovereignty of our state”. He predicted that “action will be taken” regardless of Kolubah’s pushback.
The House Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration is currently investigating the matter. On April 14, the committee denied Kolubah’s request for a five-day extension to secure legal counsel, granting him only two days to return with a lawyer.
Meanwhile, Representative Kolubah has accused Deputy Speaker Fallah of masterminding a plot to remove him, an allegation Fallah has denied.
In a related development, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) National Executive Committee has reportedly expelled Thomas Fallah from the party, alleging he has “hijacked” the party and is not acting in its best interests.
The advocacy group STAND (Solidarity and Trust for a New Day) has warned against the expulsion, describing it as a “reckless push” to criminalize free speech and a diversion from severe national economic hardships.
Under the Liberian Constitution, the House of Representatives has the authority to discipline its members, including suspension or expulsion, typically requiring a two-thirds majority vote after due process. COURTSEY OF DN NEWS
