Monrovia- March 12, 2025: The Rule of Law Caucus of the House of Representatives condemns the illegal suspension of Representative Yekeh Kolubah by the House majority, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of parliamentary procedures. They emphasize that the decision lacks legal basis, as it was made without a quorum and does not comply with the House Rules requiring a minimum of 49 members present and voting. The Caucus urges the Government of Liberia to intervene and hold accountable those responsible for this unlawful action, warning that it undermines national stability and public confidence in democracy.

Here is the full release from The Rule of Law Caucus of the House below:

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 11, 2025

RULE OF LAW CAUCUS CONDEMNS ILLEGAL SUSPENSION OF REPRESENTATIVE YEKEH KOLUBAH; CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION

The Rule of Law Caucus of the House of Representatives strongly condemns the illegal and unconstitutional suspension of Representative Yekeh Kolubah by the so-called majority in the House. This reckless action, which defies the ruling of the Supreme Court, is yet another blatant disregard for the rule of law and parliamentary procedures.

The so-called majority has, once again, arbitrarily imposed a penalty that has no legal basis. The term “session day” is nonexistent in the Rules of the House, making today’s decision not only unlawful but also a dangerous precedent that further erodes democratic governance in Liberia.

Furthermore, it is important to highlight that today’s illegal sitting failed to meet both the quorum and the required votes to make such a decision legally binding. The meeting, which obtained only 32 persons, did not meet the constitutional threshold required for legislative action on suspension, expulsion, or removal. According to the House Rules, at least 49 members must be present, and 49 members must vote in favor before such a decision can take effect. This means that today’s action against Representative Kolubah is not just unlawful but completely null and void.

We call on the Government of Liberia to take urgent notice of this unconstitutional act and to bring those responsible to order. The continued violation of established laws, coupled with the government’s acquiescence, threatens national stability and weakens public confidence in our democratic institutions.

Additionally, we put the Minister of Finance on notice: the current sitting body, as it exists, lacks legitimacy and cannot lawfully take action against any member of the House. Under no circumstances should this illegitimate body’s decision be used to justify withholding the salary or benefits of any duly elected representative. Any such attempt would be a direct violation of the law and an endorsement of political impunity.

The Rule of Law Caucus also reaffirms its commitment to a peaceful and lawful resolution of the ongoing crisis in the House of Representatives. However, our efforts at fostering dialogue and restoring order continue to be undermined by the reckless actions of our colleagues who seek to fan the flames of division and constitutional breakdown.

We call on all democratic forces, civil society organizations, and the Liberian people to stand firm in defense of the rule of law. Liberia cannot afford to descend into lawlessness at the hands of a few who place their interests above the nation’s stability and progress.

The time to restore order is now. The rule of law must prevail.

SIGNED:
Rule of Law Caucus
House of Representatives
Republic of Liberia