The House of Representatives of Liberia on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, summoned Liberia’s Minister of Mines and Energy, R. Matenokay Tingban, to appear before Plenary under contempt. He is expected to appear on Thursday, 19 February. The action was taken following what lawmakers described as repeated acts of disrespect to the Honorable House.
The decision followed the Minister’s failure to appear before Plenary on Tuesday, as earlier summoned to respond to issues raised in a communication from Bong County Electoral District #3 Representative, J. Marvin Cole. The communication outlined several alleged violations within the mining sector, particularly in Wainsue, Bong County.
Lawmakers expressed disappointment that the Minister, who previously served as a member of the 53rd Legislature, neither honored the summons nor provided a written excuse for his absence. Consequently, Plenary resolved that Minister Tingbah must appear on Thursday, accompanied by his legal counsel, to show cause why he should not be held in contempt of the Legislature.
Members of the House emphasized that the continued refusal by officials of the Executive Branch to appear before the Legislature is becoming increasingly habitual and constitutes a willful disregard for the authority of the first branch of Government. They described such conduct as unacceptable and contrary to the principles of democratic governance and accountability. The House reaffirmed its commitment to exercising its oversight responsibilities and ensuring that all public officials respect legislative authority and cooperate fully with the Legislature.
