Representative Yekeh Kolubah has described the 2024 Recast Budget as “criminally passed,” criticizing lawmakers for their late-night approval of the national budget. Kolubah, representing Montserrado County District 10, argued that passing the budget at midnight, after lawmakers had been paid, was inappropriate. He noted that President Joseph Boakai’s communication extending the legislative session suggested that the budget should have been withheld for further consideration. “The problem in Liberia lies with the national legislature,” Kolubah stated, asserting that lawmakers have the right to summon the president regarding the alleged alterations to the budget. He expressed concerns about the maturity and leadership of Speaker Koffa, indicating that the lack of accountability for the budget’s modifications reflected poorly on the legislature. The lawmaker also implicated Senate Pro-Tempore NyonbleeKarnga-Lawrence in the controversial budget process, claiming she is aligning with the executive branch to facilitate what he termed a “4G criminal budget passage.” “I am often disappointed in my colleagues, especially this government. We criticized former President George Weah for similar actions, and now we see a repeat,” he added. Furthermore, Kolubah alleged that Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan orchestrated the budget’s passage, undermining fairness in the process. “What was the Finance Minister doing at the Capitol at 8 PM on a Friday night? His presence was to push for a speedy passage of an altered Recast Budget. This is not what the Liberian people elected you for, Mr. President,” he asserted. Kolubah expressed frustration over fellow lawmakers who supported the executive’s actions, particularly noting his disappointment in his colleague Dixon Ceeboe. He called attention to the need for accountability, urging the public to recognize that the goals of removing former President Weah are beginning to resurface. Kolubah’s remarks follow the recent passage of the recast budget by the national legislature, which has faced delays amid allegations of alterations that remain unaccounted for. He made these comments over the weekend at his base on the Old Road. Source: /By: Perry B. Zordyu/Ablee-Jay TV