Monrovia – The University of Liberia Student Union (ULSU) has distanced itself from what it described as a financially induced planned protest scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, organized by the Campaigners for Change’s “March on the Capitol.”
The Campaigners for Change is a coalition of civil society actors, civil rights activists, ordinary citizens, and other concerned Liberians. The group has raised concerns about actions by some members of the House of Representatives seeking the removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from his position.
A total of 43 legislators, operating under the banner of “Majority Members of the House of Representatives,” reportedly signed a six-count resolution criticizing Speaker Koffa’s leadership, accusing him of corruption and poor governance. They have vowed not to sit under his gavel, instead choosing to conduct their legislative business independently in the Joint Chamber of the national legislature.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, November 4, 2024, at the University of Liberia Capitol Hill campus in Monrovia, ULSU Student Representative William B. Sando, Jr., accompanied by ULSU Acting President Abraham J. Garpehn, cited alleged financial inducements from government officials as the reason for the union’s withdrawal of support for the protest.
“The citizens have the constitutional right to demand that their lawmakers fulfill the promises for which they were elected during the 2023 legislative election,” Sando emphasized. “It is unfortunate that certain government elements would seek to exploit this right, using financial inducements to further their selfish political goals.”
He further warned those allegedly distributing cash to citizens under the guise of calling their lawmakers to order, urging them to desist. “If you think this is the only way you can achieve your devilish desires at the expense of the struggling masses, your plan has been exposed.”
In addition to its stance on the protest, ULSU has appealed directly to the university’s Visitor, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, urging him to address key issues raised by the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA).
At a General Assembly over the weekend, members of ULFA passed a resolution to suspend all academic activities across the university’s campuses until, among other demands, President Boakai appoints a new president for the institution.
ULSU is calling for the formal appointment of a permanent president for the University of Liberia and an increase in salaries for qualified faculty members. “ULSU stresses that these actions are essential to fostering a stable and effective learning environment at the university.”
According to Sando, the delay by President Boakai in naming the new president, despite the completion of the vetting process and recommendations currently on his desk, is hindering the education of thousands of students.
Meanwhile, the University of Liberia Student Union has criticized a recent public service announcement from the university administration regarding a proposed Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting.
The announcement, made through the university’s official Facebook page under the authority of Cllr. Norris Tweah, Vice President for UL Relations, has raised concerns within ULSU, which argues that the PTA meeting is being used to intimidate students. They allege that it threatens disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion, against certain students.
“ULSU urges the administration to cease such announcements, viewing them as attempts to target and silence legitimate student voices at the university,” the union stated.
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