By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The Rule of Law Caucus at the Liberian House of Representatives has issued a strongly worded press statement condemning the alleged violent assault on District 10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah during a House session. The statement, signed by the caucus’s Chairman, Hon. Musa Hassan Bility, describes the attack as a “severe breach of democratic principles” and a “blatant violation of constitutional norms.”
However, the timing of this condemnation has sparked heated debate, as it comes barely 24 hours after Kolubah himself publicly withdrew from the caucus. His sudden exit—without providing specific reasons—has led political analysts to speculate that he was deeply dissatisfied with the group’s perceived silence and inaction following his controversial expulsion from the House floor.
Kolubah, known for his outspoken stance against the government, has been a polarizing figure in Liberian politics. His decision to suspend his membership in the caucus seems to have forced the group into damage control, leading to this belated statement denouncing the assault. Critics argue that if the caucus truly stood for the rule of law, it should have immediately spoken out against the incident rather than waiting for Kolubah’s public rebuke.
In its statement, the Rule of Law Caucus vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible for the alleged attack and called on Liberians, civil society, and the media to stand firm in defense of democracy. The group also pledged to implement measures ensuring that lawmakers can perform their duties without fear of intimidation or violence.
But questions remain: Was this press release a genuine defense of democratic principles, or a reactionary move to counter public scrutiny? Did Kolubah’s withdrawal expose internal fractures within the caucus? And more importantly, does his experience signal a wider threat to dissent and legislative independence in Liberia?
