Kolubah, Legal Counsel 'Walk Out' Plunges House's Investigative Hearing into Disarray

Monrovia, Liberia: The House of Representatives' Rules, Order, and Administration's investigative hearing on Wednesday into Representative Yekeh Kolubah's controversial comments on the Liberia-Guinea Border dispute, turned dramatic after Representative Kolubah and his legal counsel prematurely exited the hearing on grounds that the committee denied them a crucial request.

The high-stakes hearing was disrupted shortly after resuming from a 30-minute recess, when Kolubah reappeared alongside his lawyers—Cllr. Cabineh Ja’neh, Cllr. Moriah Yeakula, and Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi—who pressed for a five-day extension to gather evidence and examine procedural rules governing the proceedings.

However, the committee denied the request, stating that any delay would undermine its stipulated time to investigate the matter.

A legal representative of Kolubah's defense team, Moriah Yeakula, argued that denying a request for extension to gather evidence and examine procedural rules would place her client at a disadvantage. 

“We cannot proceed with this hearing if we are not provided the evidence and the relevant House rules we requested to adequately prepare our defense,” she asserted. “Our client is not being given due process under these circumstances.”

Her statement triggered immediate action, as the legal team rose in protest and exited the hearing room in unison.

Moments later, Representative Kolubah further suit, delivering a blunt message to the committee before his departure. “Since you didn’t give my lawyers the chance and I’m being left alone, I will walk out".

Despite the move, members of the House's Rules, Order and Administration Committee then proceeded with their hearing and rejected claims that Kolubah’s rights were being violated.

A committee member, Representative Mannah Johnson of Bong County dismissed the defense’s argument, insisting that the process already met acceptable standards.

“The process that is ongoing is already a due process,” Johnson stated, signaling the committee’s determination to press forward regardless of the walkout.

The standoff has now thrown the outcome of the hearing into uncertainty. Representative Yekeh Kolubah is under investigation for declaring that the disputed border point in Foya, Lofa County belongs to Guinea.

His comments have been viewed as treasonous to the state by some lawmakers. Montserrado County District #3 Lawmaker, Sumo Mulbah, has since submitted a proposal, calling for Kolubah's immediate suspension or expulsion.

The Rules, Order, and Administration Committee is mandated by Plenary to investigate Representative Yekeh Kolubah and report back for possible disciplinary actions.