MRU youth speaker defies impeachment

The impeached Speaker of the Mano River Union (MRU) Youth Parliament in Liberia James Kolleh says he remains the legitimate speaker, in defiance to his removal last month by his colleagues.

Mr. Kolleh’s impeachment came last month amid accusation that he allegedly withdrew US$20,000 from the parliament’s account, though he denies the claim.
In lately March, the MRU Youth Parliament Liberian Chapter impeached Mr. Kolleh of Bong County.

The group’s Chairman on Information, Culture, and Tourism Mr. Stephen N. Karly told a press conference during Kolleh’s removal that the decision to impeach their Speaker was reached in Plenary after a resolution was submitted by G. Mackie Cole.
Karly said the resolution carried nine counts ranging from embezzlement, bribery, ineptitude, and gross violation of the statute which governs the institution.

He also claimed that the 3rd MRU Youth Parliament has not been represented at any regional or international functions since its sitting because of the dethroned speaker’s alleged ineptitude.

“The Speaker’s inability to properly and adequately communicate, consult, and call regular leadership meeting, collaborate with the Deputy Speakers, and acting unilaterally further justified Kolleh’s impeachment,” Karly said.
But Mr. Kolleh has distanced himself from the allegation and stated that he knows nothing about the disappearance of the money in question from the account of the youth parliament here.

He adds that the decision taken by some of his colleagues to remove him from the speakership will not succeed. The youth parliament has 30 Representatives, 15 of whom are said to be strong supporters to the removal of Mr. Kolleh.

If Mr. Kolleh is to be removed, more than 15 members need to sign his removal or vote of no confidence to get a two-third acting against him in line with their rules.

The embattled MRU Youth Parliament Speaker recounted that they received communication from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) about the misappropriation of monies that were allotted for activities of the parliament.

He adds that he has no idea on receiving funds from any institution, saying: “I do not know anything about receiving money from any institution, what people are saying is just meant to spoil my character.”
He encourages all members of the Parliament and Liberian youth to ignore his detractors, stating that he remains the legitimate Speaker of the parliament.

By Joseph Titus Yekeryan in Bong –Edited by Winston W. Parley