By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has announced the immediate expulsion of several of its lawmakers accused of supporting the removal of Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah, in a dramatic escalation of Liberia’s ongoing political tensions.
In a fiery statement issued Friday from its temporary headquarters in Sinkor, the party, through its National Chairman Janga A. Kowo, strongly condemned what it described as a “dictatorial path” under President Joseph Boakai.
The CDC accused the administration of undermining democratic institutions, disregarding the authority of the Supreme Court of Liberia, and orchestrating what it termed an illegal effort to remove Kolubah from the Legislature.
The party further alleged that as many as 49 lawmakers were bribed with US$25,000 each to support Kolubah’s removal, claiming that over US$1.2 million in public funds may have been used in the process. These allegations, however, remain unverified, and there has been no official response from the government addressing the claims.
The CDC named seven lawmakers it says have been expelled from the party with immediate effect for defying its directive and participating in the vote. They include: Ivar K. Jones (Margibi County, District 2), Julie Fatorma Wiah (Lofa County, District 2), Momo Siafa Kpoto (Lofa County, District 3), Alexander Poure (River Gee County, District 1), Choloplay Isaac Wuo (River Gee County, District 2), Johnson S.N. Williams (River Gee County, District 3), and P. Mike Jury (Maryland County, District 1).
According to the CDC, the lawmakers had previously been instructed not to take part in actions relating to the removal of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, but allegedly defied the party’s position and again acted against its directive in the Kolubah matter.
Beyond the legislative dispute, the CDC accused the Boakai administration of enabling widespread human rights violations and suppressing dissent.
The party cited recent student protests, alleging that demonstrators were subjected to excessive force, unlawful arrests, and intimidation by state security forces.
The statement specifically named Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, accusing him of leading a force that targets peaceful citizens and undermines access to justice.
It further called on affected students to pursue legal action for alleged abuses, including assault and unlawful detention.
The CDC also appealed to international partners to intervene, warning that Liberia’s democratic progress could be at risk if current developments continue unchecked.
The party argued that silence from the international community could embolden actions that threaten stability in the country.
The expulsion of the lawmakers marks a significant internal shake-up within the CDC and could have broader implications for legislative dynamics.
It remains unclear whether the expelled lawmakers will challenge the decision or align with other political blocs.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Representative Kolubah, known for his outspoken criticism of successive governments, continues to deepen divisions within Liberia’s political landscape.
