Restored by Pressure?

Montserrado County District #10 Representative, Yekeh Kolubah

-- House Lifts Rep. Kolubah's Suspension Ahead of Supreme Court's Hearing

The Plenary of the House of Representatives, through Chief Clerk Mildred N. Sayon, has lifted the suspension of  Montserrado County District #10 Representative, Yekeh Kolubah, ahead of Wednesday’s hearing at the Supreme Court before Justice-in-Chamber Joseph Nagbe.

In the communication to Rep. Kolubah, Ms. Sayon said: “I have the honor, by directive of the Plenary of the Honorable House of Representatives (IN SESSION), to inform you that your suspension for 16-meeting days commenced on May 18, 2021 is hereby lifted with immediate effect."

It added: “As a result of suspension being lifted, all your rights and privileges to receive your salary, benefits including gas and special allowance are hereby restored.”

On Wednesday, July 14, lawyers representing the House of Representatives filed for deferral of the voir dire (preliminary hearing) on grounds of unpreparedness and are due to appear today (Wednesday, July 21).

It may be recalled that Rep. Kolubah filed a Writ of Prohibition at the Supreme Court against his suspension and has pledged to pursue it to a logical conclusion.

Rep. Kolubah challenged the House of Representatives that he was only suspended for 16-meeting days (Plenary sessions) but he is not excluded from attending special plenary sessions and other legislative meetings like Leadership meetings, in accordance with their rules.

Following Rep. Kolubah’s Writ of Prohibition, the Supreme Court placed a stay order on all other proceedings or actions in the matter of the suspension of Rep. Kolubah pending the outcome of the conference. 

However, the lifting of Rep. Kolubah's suspension on Monday has been seen from some political connoisseurs as ‘win’ for the Montserrado County lawmaker, while others are arguing that Rep. Kolubah’s suspension was merely lifted because he had ‘honorably served the suspension.’

Representative Kolubah, who has been vocal since ascending as Representative in the 54th Legislature, claims that he is not moved by the decision to restore him, but will ensure that he defeats his colleagues at the Supreme Court as he did a few months ago.