CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia — Embattled Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah dramatically walked out of a high-stakes legislative hearing along with his legal team, escalating tensions in an ongoing investigation that could lead to his suspension or expulsion from the House of Representatives.
The hearing, conducted by the House Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, was convened to probe controversial statements attributed to Kolubah amid heightened national concerns over Liberia’s sovereignty and security.
However, proceedings were abruptly disrupted when the committee ruled that Kolubah’s lawyers would not be allowed to directly represent him during the hearing, but would instead guide him while he spoke for himself—a decision that triggered immediate protest from the defense.
“The process that led to this investigation, in our view, is irregular,” one of Kolubah’s lawyers argued, insisting that denying counsel the opportunity to speak violated due process. “We cannot walk our client to the gallows without seeing evidence.”
Following the ruling, the legal team staged a walkout. Kolubah soon followed, declaring that he could not proceed without his lawyers.
“Now that my lawyers are leaving… I cannot proceed with the matter,” Kolubah told the committee before exiting the hearing.
Despite their departure, the committee continued the hearing in their absence, citing its authority under House rules and emphasizing that the process would not be halted by the decision of the lawmaker or his counsel.
Committee officials maintained that legislative procedures differ from courtroom practices and must be governed by the rules of the House.
“This is a democratic process governed by the will of the majority,” the committee chair asserted, noting that members had unanimously voted for the hearing to proceed.
At the center of the investigation are allegations stemming from Kolubah’s public comments regarding the ongoing border dispute involving Guinea—remarks that some citizens and officials have interpreted as undermining Liberia’s sovereignty.
A formal complaint submitted to the House accused the lawmaker of making statements that could be construed as supporting a foreign government’s territorial claims against Liberia, raising questions about constitutional obligations and national loyalty.
While an additional communication from a private citizen calling for punitive action was reviewed, the committee clarified that it would not be considered due to procedural deficiencies, including the lack of required signatories.
The committee has since entered deliberations and is expected to submit a report within the constitutionally mandated timeframe. Recommendations could include suspension or expulsion, subject to a two-thirds majority vote of the full House.
Legal experts note that regardless of the outcome, Kolubah retains the right to challenge any decision before the Supreme Court, which serves as the final arbiter of justice.
“There is always a remedy,” observers say, pointing to the judiciary as the avenue for appeal.
Meanwhile, Kolubah’s legal team has signaled its intention to seek redress, arguing that the proceedings violated fundamental principles of fairness and due process.
As the situation unfolds, the case is shaping into a major test of legislative authority, constitutional rights, and the balance between institutional rules and legal protections.
The final decision, expected in the coming days, could have far-reaching implications for legislative discipline and political accountability in Liberia.
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