The Rule of Law Caucus, formerly Majority Bloc, has described as blatant violation of constitutional norms, the recent “unprecedented and violent assault on Representative Yekeh Kolubah, a sitting lawmaker, during today’s session of the House of Representatives.
In a statement dated Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the Rule of Law Caucus under the chairmanship of Representative Musa Bility said, this egregious act, reportedly executed by individuals acting under the directives of certain House members, constitutes a severe breach of democratic principles, the rule of law, and the sanctity of the legislature.
Statement said that the Liberian Constitution guarantees all lawmakers the right to express themselves freely and responsibly within the chambers, without fear of harm or intimidation, a fundamental right which underpins the country’s democracy and ensures the legislative independence of the nation.
Bility said the violent expulsion of Hon. Kolubah from the House floor sets a perilous precedent, marking a blatant violation of constitutional norms and signaling a troubling erosion of democratic values.
Bility said this assault transcends an attack on an individual; it is an affront to the very core of our democratic system and reflects a disturbing disregard for the rule of law and an alarming willingness to employ violence to suppress dissenting voices.
As the Rule of Law Caucus, we assert unequivocally: such actions are intolerable and will be met with unwavering resistance. In response, we commit to the following actions:
- We will exhaust all legal avenues to ensure that those responsible for orchestrating and executing this assault—be they members of the House or external actors—are held accountable. The full force of the law must be applied to prevent any recurrence of such violence within our legislative processes.
- We will implement measures to protect the sanctity of the House of Representatives, ensuring that every lawmaker can perform their constitutional duties without fear of violence or intimidation,” the statement said.
The Rule of Law Caucus calls upon all Liberians—civil society, the media, and citizens alike—to stand firm in defense of our democracy. Acts of violence and lawlessness have no place in a nation founded on justice, equality, and accountability.
“The Rule of Law Caucus stands resolute in defending the Constitution and the democratic principles of Liberia. Today’s assault serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our democracy. We must unite to reject this descent into lawlessness and reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and the preservation of democratic norms,” the statement said.
The statement reminded the government and its agents that their authority derives from the people, and they are duty-bound to uphold the laws and Constitution of Liberia, saying, “Your actions today will define your legacy in the annals of our nation’s history.”
“Fellow Liberians, this is our moment to demand better. Let us rise together to protect the democratic foundations that so many have sacrificed to establish,” the Rule of Law Caucus said.
