Monrovia – Serious tension erupted in the House of Representatives on Tuesday as House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon warned members against making baseless allegations against him and that august body in its entirety.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Our legislative reporter said the atmosphere in the House of Representatives was tense as Speaker Koon threatened that members will be reprimanded for making unfounded claims without providing concrete evidence, especially so during public appearances outside of session.
The Speaker emphasized that any lawmaker who makes allegations without facts would face severe consequences.
“Members are reminded to be responsible at all times in safeguarding the sanity of this House. If you go out there making reckless and unfounded claims about this House without evidence, you will face the wrath of the power of members,” warned Speaker Koon.
This declaration by the House Speaker, our reporter said, caused serious uproar among lawmakers with several members seeing it as a direct threat against their freedom of expression rather than a warning in good faith.
Montserrado County Electoral District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah and several colleagues once clothed under the “Minority Bloc” during the hay times of the House impasse, took serious exception to the Speaker’s warning and ordered that he “takes it back.”
“Mr. Speaker, you must take it back, you can’t threaten or scare anyone here. Do you think anyone is afraid of you? You are joking,” Kolubah and others verbally expressed.
Rep. Kolubah, a vocal lawmaker, who is known for his fiery speeches, had initially accused some of his colleagues of being involved in corrupt activities while making a motion.
And despite being brought to order by a colleague to retract his statement, Rep. Kolubah defiantly added: “I maintain my statement. I have no regret saying what I’m saying.”
Nimba County Electoral District #9 Representative, Taa Z. Wongbe, another lawmaker, also made a similar allegation, though without presenting any evidence to support his claims.
Representative Eugene Kollie of Bong County District #5, another opposition lawmaker to the current House leadership, was among many lawmakers who went against the Speaker’s declaration/warning.
Following several attempts to restore calm on the floor, Speaker Koon then reacted by demanding that all three lawmakers – Reps. Kolubah, Wongbe and Kollie are escorted out of session by the Sergeant At-Arms.
The exclusion of the lawmakers sparked further outrage among some members of the House, leading to another heated exchange of words with tempers flaring.
The tension escalated with lawmakers split into two opposing camps, with some supporting the Speaker’s action and others in condemnation of the action as an attempt to stifle opposition voices.
Despite the noise, Speaker Koon stood firm in his stance and reiterated the importance of maintaining decorum and accountability within the House of Representatives.
He again reminded members that making baseless accusations does not only tarnish the reputation of the institution but also undermines the credibility of the legislative process.
Speaker Koon cited Rule #42 of the House Rules and Procedures of House of Representatives as his reliance.
As read by Montserrado County District #7 Representative, Emmanuel Dahn, RULE 42, titled: “PRESTIGE AND DIGNITY OF THE HOUSE” speaks to members’ conduct at the House.
Rule 42.1 for instance, states: “Every member shall, at any place, keep the prestige and dignity of the House and refrain from undesirable acts.”
Rule 42.2 also points out that: “No Member shall insult, abuse or harass other persons within the confines of the House, or cause disturbance to the activities of the House.”
Political pundits believe that the latest disarray at the House is a testament that the body is still divided between Speaker Koon and former Speaker Koffa’s circle – formerly dubbed “Majority Bloc” and “Minority Bloc” respectively.
