By: Shallon S. Gonlor |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — Expelled member of the House of Representatives of the 55th Barional Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, Yekeh Kolubah was forced to cut short his visit to Nimba County, after facing hostile crowd attacks in Sanniquellie and Ganta Cities, respectively.
Kolubah had embarked on an early campaign across the country to jeopardize the ruling Unity Party’s bid to maintain state power after the 2029, general elections. This comes after he was expelled from the House of Representatives, with many insinuating that the effort was supported by the government because of his critical stance against them.
The former lawmaker has accused the Boakai administration of constitutional violations, poor governance, and betrayal of campaign promises made to the Liberian people. Parading under the banner of the ‘Yekeh Kolubah Movement,’ the expelled and controversial former lawmaker has launched his campaign with two symbolic ‘RED CARDS,’ signaling the movement’s commitment to removing President Boakai from office.
In Sanniquellie, eyewitnesses said Kolubah’s team arrived Wednesday afternoon to engage residents at the city’s central street, but was met with jeers and chants from a group of youth who accused him of “political grandstanding” and “inciting division.”
Similarly in Ganta, Nimba’s commercial hub, market women and motorcyclists blocked the entrance to the Ganta General Market, where Kolubah had planned a town hall-style meeting. Protesters carried placards reading “Nimba Stands with Boakai” and “No to Distraction Politics,” forcing his convoy to turn back.
Police reportedly intervened to prevent escalation, advising Kolubah to leave for his safety. The tense situation later forced him to flee, and he departed for Gbarnga, Bong County to continue his nationwide tour.
Speaking to reporters, he said: “No amount of intimidation will stop this movement. The Liberian people deserve accountability. If Boakai has nothing to hide, let him face the people’s petition.”
He claims to have already collected thousands of signatures in Montserrado, Margibi, and Bomi counties, though no independent verification has been provided.
Under Article 43 of the Liberian Constitution, impeachment proceedings against a president must originate in the House of Representatives with a bill of impeachment. Citizen petitions have no direct legal force but can be used to pressure lawmakers to act.
The county was a key battleground in the 2023 elections and remains influential in national politics. Resistance in Sanniquellie and Ganta suggests Kolubah may face an uphill battle gaining traction outside his Montserrado base. It is also the home to the current vice president. Kolubah vowed to continue the tour in Bong, Lofa, and Grand Bassa counties in the coming weeks.
