Capitol Building, the seat of the nation’s Legislature, has rapidly transformed into a symbol of lawlessness and political gangsterism. Less than a month after the controversial intrusion into the office of Embattled Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, an incident of similar gravity unfolded on February 18, involving Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah.
On this occasion, acting on orders from Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, who assumed the speakership through a disputed “white ballot” vote, a mechanical device was used to break into Rep. Kolubah’s vehicle forcibly. The lawmaker had parked his car in a space allegedly designated for the Speaker of the House of Representatives. However, no specific rule or regulation dictates where the Speaker’s vehicle must be parked, and Koon’s actions appeared to be both unwarranted and unauthorized.
In the absence of a formal parking protocol, critics contend that if Speaker Koon truly believed the parking space was his rightful claim, he should have requested a tow truck rather than resorting to the criminal act of breaking into a vehicle without legal justification. The decision to use force, accompanied by police officers, has raised alarms among lawmakers and the public alike, with many questioning the increasing frequency of unlawful actions within the legislative body.
The attack on Rep. Kolubah’s vehicle was not the only point of concern that day. As journalists gathered to report on the unfolding events, Speaker Koon attempted to suppress media coverage by issuing threats and directing security personnel to target reporters. Among those caught in the fray was Winston Blydin of Banna FM, who was assaulted while trying to document the incident. The attempt to stifle press freedom further entrenches fears that Liberia’s Capitol is increasingly becoming a lawless space where accountability is sidelined.
In any democratic society, the press plays a vital role in holding power to account, and the attack on journalists only deepens the sense of impunity surrounding the actions of those in power. Observers of the scene see this as part of a troubling pattern of political control that undermines the core principles of democracy and governance. The evident disregard for the rule of law and freedom of the press is a dangerous trend that threatens the fabric of Liberia’s democratic institutions.
The Rule of Law Caucus, a group of lawmakers committed to upholding the principles of legality and justice, swiftly condemned the actions within the Capitol Building. In a statement, the Caucus called on President Joseph Boakai, his Cabinet, the international community, religious groups, and civil society organizations to intervene before the situation escalates further. The Caucus expressed its determination to take legal action against Speaker Koon for his alleged role in the unlawful break-in, stressing that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law.
