Liberia: SUP Vows ‘Revolutionary Resistance’ Over Tuition Hikes, Slams Alleged Political Witch-Hunt of Former Minister Tweah - FrontPageAfrica

Monrovia – The Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) of the University of Liberia has issued a blistering warning to the Boakai-led Administration and the University’s leadership, vowing to meet any attempt to cancel the Free Tuition policy will meet revolutionary resistance.

By Francis G. Boayue

In a strongly worded press statement released Monday, May 18,  the campus-based political party through its Chairman Odecious Mulbah has condemned what he described as a “state-sponsored political witch-hunt” against former Finance and Development Planning  Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr., following his recent acquittal by Criminal Court C.

The party took aim at the university’s former acting administration led by Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh over rumors of an impending tuition hike or the total abolition of the Free Tuition policy.

SUP characterized the administration’s justification for the hike—cited as rising fuel costs and global price fluctuations—as “economically unsound” and a “mockery of Biblical proportions.”

“Placing a permanent financial burden on 22,000 university students upon a temporary price fluctuation is nothing but gibberish,” the statement signed by Secretary-General David Howard Jr. and Chairman Odecious Mulbah read.

The party further alleged a disconnect between administrative claims and reality, questioning how fuel costs for buses could be a factor when, according to SUP, there are currently no functioning buses for students.

They further highlighted the income disparity on campus, alleging that top administrators earn five-figure salaries while students struggle to commute.

Beyond campus politics, SUP waded into the national legal fray surrounding former Finance and Development Planning  Minister Samuel Tweah.

The party asserted that the government’s continued pursuit of Tweah, despite a jury’s not guilty verdict, constitutes a direct assault on the rule of law.

“The Vanguard Student Unification Party warns the Boakai-Koung Regime that a non-guilty verdict by a jury is a sacred right… an attempt to overturn said verdict is akin to a seizure of the power of the people,” the party declared.

SUP accused the government of selective justice, pointing to several unresolved scandals within the current administration, including: “The alleged approval of US$8 million from international reserves to a private banker. The illicit possession of over 42 earth-moving machines by Representative Thomas Fallah.’’

“The controversial US$90,000 luxury vehicle purchase involving former Unity Party Chairman Amin Modad.’’

The party argued that the anti-corruption fight has been “weaponized” to target political adversaries while shielding partisan allies.

The Vanguard party concluded by denouncing the perpetual, cowardly silence of national civil society organizations and the religious council. SUP claimed that by remaining neutral in the face of alleged state overreach, these institutions have effectively “chosen the side of the oppressor.”

The party called on its 22,000-strong student base to remain “steadfast and unbending,” signaling a potential for mass demonstrations should the government move forward with its proposed educational and legal policies.