NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Former Lofa County Representative Moses Y. Kollie has weighed in on the ongoing investigation of Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah, warning that the embattled lawmaker could face serious legislative sanctions.
In a detailed statement, Kollie said the probe by the Liberian House of Representatives is legally grounded in Article 38 of the 1986 Constitution, which empowers the legislature to regulate its internal affairs and discipline members, including expulsion with a two-thirds majority vote.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
He explained that the House, through its Rules, Order and Administration Committee, is operating within its authority to conduct what he described as a “quasi-judicial” process, particularly in matters involving ethics, misconduct, and internal discipline.
Drawing on his experience as a former legislator, Kollie outlined several common grounds under which lawmakers globally may be expelled or sanctioned.
These include disorderly conduct that disrupts parliamentary proceedings, acts deemed disloyal or seditious, breaches of ethical standards, and prolonged absenteeism without approval.
Based on these considerations, Kollie expressed confidence that Representative Kolubah would not escape punishment once the committee submits its report to plenary, the House’s highest decision-making body.
“If he is not expelled, possibly out of sympathy from colleagues, he could face a very harsh legislative penalty,” Kollie noted.
He further advised Kolubah to seek reconciliation with fellow lawmakers, suggesting that lobbying for pardon among majority members could help mitigate potential sanctions.
Kollie also clarified that the ongoing proceedings are not equivalent to a court trial, noting that while lawyers may accompany the accused lawmaker, their role is limited to advisory support rather than full legal representation.
The former representative warned that additional charges could emerge in the committee’s final report, beyond the controversial remarks attributed to Kolubah regarding the Liberia-Guinea border dispute.
According to him, the findings may conclude that the lawmaker’s actions have brought the House into public disrepute.
Kollie served in the National Legislature for 12 consecutive years from 2006 to 2018 and says his analysis is based on extensive experience in legislative proceedings.
