MONROVIA – Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah was forcibly removed from a regular sitting of the House of Representatives on Tuesday after vehemently rejecting Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon as the Majority Bloc Speaker.
By Francis G. Boayue
The outspoken lawmaker, a staunch critic of President Joseph Boakai’s administration, sparked chaos shortly after the day’s agenda was read. “Richard Koon is not the Speaker. I only recognize Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah,” Kolubah declared, triggering heated reactions from Koon’s allies in the chamber.
Supporters of Koon, including River Gee District #3 Representative Johnson S.N. Williams and Montserrado District #8 Representative Prince Toles, accused Kolubah of disrupting the session and showing blatant disrespect to the leadership of the Majority Bloc.
Citing Kolubah’s conduct as unacceptable, Speaker Koon instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove him from the chamber. The situation briefly escalated as Kolubah resisted, but he was eventually escorted out while repeating his rejection of Koon’s authority.
Outside the chamber, Kolubah remained defiant, telling reporters, “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.”
Kolubah went on to accuse the Boakai administration of orchestrating what he described as “an illegal leadership structure” in the legislature. He argued that Koon’s election was undemocratic and indicative of the administration’s alleged attempts to consolidate power.
The incident has deepened tensions within the House, where divisions between supporters and critics of the Boakai administration have become increasingly pronounced. Observers warn that the ongoing power struggle could undermine the legislature’s ability to function effectively.
As of Tuesday, it remains unclear what disciplinary actions, if any, will be taken against Kolubah for his actions. However, Koon’s allies have called for stricter measures to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
The incident highlights how the House remains divided although members of the Minority Bloc have resolved to sit under the gavel of Rep. Koon for fear of being expelled over their prolonged absence.
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