~Alleges 50K was used as inducement
The University of Liberia Students Union (ULSU) has officially distanced itself from the recent march on the Capitol Building in support of embattled Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa. ULSU maintains that this protest does not align with the principles of integrity and transparency that the student community holds dear. The leadership of ULSU strongly condemns what it perceives to be a financially motivated demonstration, allegedly orchestrated by Speaker Koffa to create a false impression of popular support. ULSU urges all students and youth in Liberia to remain cautious and critical of political activities that may be intended to mislead the public.
According to William Sando, the ULSU Student Representative, the Campaigners for Change, the organization leading the protest, is compromised and lacks genuine intentions for the betterment of Liberia. Sando highlighted that the group’s current actions are rooted in opportunism rather than in a true desire to serve the interests of the Liberian people. ULSU, as a body that prioritizes truth and justice, cannot condone or participate in actions that lack a clear commitment to national progress. ULSU’s position is that engaging in this protest would tarnish its reputation as a voice of integrity in the Liberian student community.
ULSU’s intelligence reports have raised concerns regarding the financing of this march. Allegations have surfaced that up to USD 50,000 may have been used to fund the demonstration. ULSU believes that such financial influence undermines the spirit of democracy and threatens the progress Liberia has made since the end of the civil war. “Our democracy is young and fragile,” Sando emphasized. “The youth and students of Liberia must safeguard it by resisting efforts to corrupt the political process through financially motivated displays of support.”
Furthermore, ULSU considers any participation in the protest as an endorsement of unethical political practices. Sando called on all University of Liberia students and affiliates to abstain from joining the Campaigners for Change’s demonstration. He urged students to critically analyze the motives behind this protest and question who truly benefits from such actions. He added that the youth must resist becoming tools for personal or political gains, especially when such actions do not align with the public interest.
ULSU is concerned that this protest misleads the general public, creating a false sense of consensus regarding Speaker Koffa’s leadership. Such demonstrations risk distorting public perception and eroding trust in genuine civic engagement. By staging what ULSU considers a financially motivated show of support, the protest organizers are contributing to a harmful political culture where public opinion can be bought rather than genuinely earned. ULSU believes this sets a dangerous precedent that must be challenged.
As a representative of the student body, Sando affirmed ULSU’s unwavering commitment to defending the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice in Liberia. The organization maintains that any engagement in protests or demonstrations must be rooted in the genuine aspirations of the Liberian people, not financial incentives. ULSU calls on all young people to rally around issues that genuinely impact the country’s future rather than supporting efforts driven by financial motivations.
Additionally, ULSU has expressed concern over the influence of money in Liberian politics, particularly regarding how it affects youth and student involvement. The organization has called for a renewed focus on substantive issues such as education, employment, and governance reform, rather than short-term political stunts. By rejecting participation in the protest, ULSU seeks to set an example for responsible civic engagement, free from financial inducements and self-serving agendas.
ULSU urges Speaker Koffa and other public officials to engage with the public through meaningful dialogue and transparency rather than financially induced shows of support. The organization encourages political leaders to prioritize the long-term stability and growth of Liberia’s democracy over temporary displays of popularity. By fostering open and honest communication with the Liberian people, leaders can build lasting trust rather than resorting to questionable tactics to gain favor.
Furthermore, ULSU calls upon the government, civil society, and other student organizations to join in promoting democratic values and resisting financial inducements that compromise the integrity of public discourse. ULSU believes that only through a commitment to genuine, transparent practices can Liberia build a democracy that truly serves its citizens.
In conclusion, ULSU’s stance is clear: the student union will not partake in a protest that it perceives as undermining Liberia’s democratic progress. ULSU stands with the people of Liberia in demanding transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. The student body remains committed to supporting causes that align with the nation’s true interests, rejecting any involvement in financially motivated schemes that could harm the country’s democratic future.
