By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
Monrovia, Liberia – A war of words has erupted between Representative Sumo Mulbah and Moriah Yeakula-Korkpor of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), following a sharp disagreement over constitutional interpretation and national sovereignty.
The dispute began after Yeakula-Korkpor reportedly criticized Mulbah, asserting that the lawmaker “does not know his constitution.” In response, Mulbah issued a strongly worded statement dismissing her critique as “overblown” and lacking substance.
Mulbah clarified that his legal argument has consistently been based on Article 76 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which addresses treason. He described criticism of a prior reference to Article 71 as a minor verbal error, arguing that it does not undermine the broader legal reasoning behind his position.
The lawmaker further contended that the debate goes beyond technical legal definitions. According to Mulbah, statements allegedly made by fellow Representative Yekeh Kolubah—suggesting Liberian land belongs to another country—raise significant concerns about national security and sovereignty. He criticized attempts to downplay such remarks as “reckless.”
Mulbah also rejected references to the repeal of sedition laws in 2019 as irrelevant to the issue at hand, emphasizing that lawmakers still bear responsibility for safeguarding national integrity. He accused Yeakula-Korkpor of deflecting from the central issue by introducing unrelated topics, including border concerns.
In a pointed conclusion, Mulbah questioned the motives behind the criticism and urged the ANC official to redirect her attention toward advancing her party’s political agenda, stating she should “focus on how her ANC leader will become president.”
The exchange highlights growing tensions within Liberia’s political discourse, particularly around constitutional interpretation, free speech, and national sovereignty.
