Monrovia – Former President Ellen Johnson‑Sirleaf condemned the House of Representatives’ decision to expel Montserrado County District 10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah, calling the action a threat to freedom of speech and democratic governance.
Speaking on the Truth Breakfast Show on Truth FM on Thursday, April 30, Sirleaf said the expulsion undermines constitutional protections guaranteed by Article 15 of the 1986 Constitution, which secures freedom of expression. “I don’t think someone should be expelled because of freedom of speech. This is not the way to go,” she said.
The expulsion was approved in a special session of the House, where 49 of 73 members voted in favor of a resolution meeting the two‑thirds majority required for removal. The motion followed a report from the Rules, Order and Administration Committee, chaired by Representative James Kolleh of Bong County District 2. Kolubah faced accusations of gross breach of duty, misconduct in office and violation of his oath, based on complaints filed by Montserrado County District 3 Representative Sumo Mulbah and Inspector General of Police Gregory O.W. Coleman, who cited concerns over national security and public safety. One alleged signatory, Representative Sam Jallah of Bomi County, has denied ever signing the resolution.
Sirleaf’s criticism aligns with other prominent Liberians, including Senators Abraham Darius Dillon and Amara Konneh, Councilor Tiawan Gongloe and businessman Alexander Cummings, who have also questioned the legality and propriety of the expulsion.
During her tenure from 2006 to 2018, Sirleaf oversaw reforms aimed at enhancing press freedom and transparency, such as the 2010 Freedom of Information Act and support for the Declaration of Table Mountain, which calls for the repeal of criminal defamation laws across Africa. She emphasized that these measures were intended to strengthen democratic governance and must be upheld.
In the same interview, Sirleaf described the condition of Monrovia as “filthy,” warning that poor sanitation damages Liberia’s international image and deters investment. She suggested that organized cleanup initiatives could create jobs for youth and improve the capital’s reputation.
Since leaving office, Sirleaf said she remains “busy and fulfilling,” working with The Elders, the Mastercard Foundation and other global initiatives. She urged the government to prioritize education and job creation for Liberia’s young population, noting that “education is the most important tool” for national development.
Regarding her relationship with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sirleaf described it as cordial but limited, emphasizing that her focus is on international advocacy rather than domestic politics.
Sirleaf concluded by calling on Liberian leaders to place the country’s interests above partisan concerns, stressing the need for accountable, inclusive and forward‑looking governance. The debate over Kolubah’s expulsion is expected to continue in the House, with legal experts monitoring potential challenges based on constitutional guarantees of free speech.
