Bong County Representative James Kolleh, facing bribery allegation, led a group of people early hours of Tuesday, stormed the Capitol and vandalized the office of House Speaker Fonati Koffa, just day after the Supreme Court reinforced its ruling that the faction backing the destruction minded lawmaker was acting illegally.
Kolleh is part of a faction of rebel lawmakers who have seized control of the House, disregarding a recent Supreme Court ruling which upheld the legitimacy of Speaker Koffa’s role. He also faces bribery accusation.
In response to Kolleh’s reckless actions, the Rule of Law Caucus, spearheaded by Nimba County Representative Musa Hassan Bility, issued a forceful statement condemning the vandalism. The Caucus said that such conduct threatens the security and stability of Liberia, undermining the rule of law and potentially igniting a crisis.
“We call on the President of Liberia to immediately address the reckless actions of these individuals,” the statement read, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to curtail escalating tensions within the legislature. The Caucus further urged the Minister of Justice to ensure those involved are held accountable for their actions, saying that lawlessness has no precedent in Liberia’s democratic history.
“Their behavior poses a direct threat, and we stand united in rejecting it,” the Caucus declared, calling on the President, Cabinet members, international stakeholders, and religious leaders to rally against the ongoing lawlessness.
Representative Kolleh has been warned that the Rule of Law Caucus plans to pursue legal action against him, with a promise to seek justice for what they labeled as violent, unlawful, and uncivilized actions.
