MONROVIA — Expelled Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekehzie Kolubah has declared his intention to contest the presidency of Liberia, saying he wants to give suffering Liberians the opportunity to stand up for their rights and demand a fair share of the country’s resources.
By Edwin G. Genoway, Jr. [email protected]
Kolubah made the declaration at a press conference on Sunday, October 11 where he dismissed rumors that he had returned to Liberia to apologize to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for his past criticism of the presidency.
Instead, the outspoken lawmaker announced that he was preparing to enter the presidential race, presenting himself as a political alternative for Liberians who, he said, have suffered for too long under greedy and selfish politicians.
“I never came back to Liberia to beg Mr. Boakai, as it is being carried and reported by the media and on street corners. I called this press conference to announce my intention to contest the presidency of Liberia,” Kolubah said.
“From now on, I will be a political leader, and I will continue to treat President Boakai as my colleague by calling him Mr. Boakai, but not to insult him again,” he added.
Kolubah’s declaration signals a new chapter in his political career, as he seeks to move beyond his role as a lawmaker and position himself for the country’s highest office.
He argued that Liberians continue to suffer while politicians accused of putting their personal interests first benefit from the country’s wealth.
According to Kolubah, his decision to contest the presidency is aimed at ensuring that ordinary citizens have a greater opportunity to benefit from Liberia’s natural resources and national wealth.
He said Liberians should no longer remain silent while their resources are “looted” by what he described as “hungry politicians.”
Kolubah did not present detailed policy proposals during the remarks provided, but he framed his presidential ambition around the need for fairness, accountability and improved conditions for ordinary citizens.
Kolubah also firmly rejected reports that he intended to apologize to President Boakai, insisting that he had done nothing wrong to warrant an apology.
He claimed that his disagreement was not with the President personally but with the President’s wife, adding that the rumors about an apology did not reflect his position.
“I will not apologize, as it is being rumored,” Kolubah said.
He further stated that he would continue to address Boakai as a colleague rather than use insulting language against him, suggesting a change in how he intends to conduct his political criticism.
Kolubah also expressed disappointment in some members of the opposition bloc, accusing them of contributing to division among opposition politicians instead of building unity around issues affecting the Liberian people.
His criticism comes as opposition figures continue to face the challenge of organizing themselves around common political goals.
Kolubah did not identify all the opposition members he was criticizing in the remarks provided.
The presidential hopeful also vowed to pursue accountability for alleged corruption and misuse of power under the Boakai administration.
He specifically mentioned Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, whom he accused of corruption and misuse of power. Kolubah indicated that he wanted accountability for such alleged misconduct.
Kolubah’s declaration places his presidential ambition at the center of his next political move. He is now presenting himself as a potential contender for the presidency rather than limiting his political role to his former position in the House of Representatives.
Koluba wants Liberians to demand accountability, defend their rights and receive a fair share of the country’s resources.
It remains unclear by critics who viewed his presidential ambition that could not translate into a formal candidacy and a detailed national platform remains to be seen.
For now, Kolubah has publicly announced his intention to seek Liberia’s highest office and signaled that his political fight with the current administration is far from over.
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