—- But Rep. Yekeh Kolubah Threatens To Move On Executive Mansion Over Student Demand
IPNEWS: Monday, February 26, was another today of clashes on the main campus of the University of Liberia, when students at the state-run University were chased after by officers of the Liberian National Police.
The police call-in followed scene of violence by some students at the capitol building which Houses both the Liberian Legislature.
Even though police are yet to release statistics from yesterday’s incident, eyewitnesses tell IPNEWS that at least ten students sustained wounds and four are now undergoing critical medical care at a local clinic in the Sinkor suburb in Monrovia.
Immediately following the clashes, authorities of the University of Liberia ordered the indefinite closure of the University until clam is restored.
At a quickly arranged Press conference, officials of the campus-based Student Unification Party-SUP, frowns on the indefinite closure and demands the immediate reopening of the University of Liberia within 72 hours ultimatum or face unspecified student action.
SUP also calls on the Boakai-Koung Government to settle ULFA liabilities and warns against the politicization of Education at UL.
The student-based political movement stated that it sees education as a non-negotiable commodity, and it should be given to every citizen of Liberia free without any further demand from them-stressing that Education as promised by the Boakai-Koung and government in their ARREST agenda must be accessible, affordable, available, efficient, effective, productive and quality.
“The Vanguard Party will never allow the indelible and vigorous thirst for quality education by the dejected Liberian masses to go unnoticed. SUP will always stand tall to ensure the inalienable rights of Liberian people are secured to the letter. In legality with the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, Article 6 indicates,”
“The Republic shall, because of the vital role assigned to the individual citizen under this Constitution for the social, economic and political well-being of Liberia, provide equal access to educational opportunities and facilities for all citizens to the extent of available resources. Emphasis shall be placed on the mass education of the Liberian people and the elimination of illiteracy”. SUP sees this as a compulsory entitled right under the organic law of the nation that must never be ignored by the Boakai-Koung government.” A statement read by an officials of SUP read.
The Student Movement furthermore stated that in confirmative with Article 26 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides, “Everyone has the right to education therefore education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit, it calls on the Boakai-Koung government to expeditiously settle the liabilities of the University of Liberia Faculty Association-ULFA without any further delay. As part of the first public test to be administered to Mr. Boakai, he must be prepared to face militants and cadres of the indomitable Vanguard Student Unification Party in the coming days. SUP will not relent in demanding the fundamental rights of the students at the University of Liberia and Liberians as a whole.
“The Vanguard Party believes that the University of Liberia must continue to be an independent or autonomous institution that should not be melting with political party like the borrow brain Unity Party. Therefore, the Vanguard Party want to remind President Julius S. Nelson that education is not a political commodity, but rather a constitutional right that must never be politicized.”
“We want to assure the Administration of the University of Liberia and the Boakai-Koung government that failure on their part to open the University of Liberia after the 72 hours ultimatum, there be a mass rally of the over 20,000 students that will lead to a massive protest action. SUP did it to Mr. Tolbert, Mr. Doe, Mr. Taylor, Madam Sirleaf, Mr. Weah and Mr. Boakai must be aware that SUP will repeat this historical action without any regret when necessary.” SUP statement read.
Meanwhile, Representative Yekeh Kolubah has warned President Boakai to listen to protesting students from the University of Liberia or they will move to the Executive Mansion to demand a redress.
Early Monday morning, several members of the Progressive Student Alliance (PROSA) staged a protest at the outside facility of the University of Liberia Capitol Hill campus demanding President Boakai to address their plights.
They have been calling on the Liberian leader to maintain the government’s free tuition policy across all public universities across the country and publish his assets and liabilities.
The student political movement also wants the Liberian Chief Executive to continue the payment of 12th graders’ WASSCE fees, one of the legacies of former President George Weah.
Speaking to Bana FM on the grounds of the Capitol, Representative Kolubah stressed that the President should stop ignoring the concerns of the students.
The controversial lawmaker further warned riot officers of the Liberia National Police to not use firearms on the students.
