Liberia: SUP Blasts Boakai Administration: Alleges Failures, Corruption, and Threatens Mass Protests - FrontPageAfrica

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Monrovia– The campus-based, Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) has blisteringly criticized the Boakai-Koung administration, accusing it of gross incompetence, widespread corruption, and neglect of the Liberian people.

By Willie N. Tokpah, willie.tokpah@frontpageafricaonline

In a statement read by SUP Chairman Sylvester Wheeler on Monday, December 16, at the University of Liberia’s Capitol Hill campus, the group outlined 30 key grievances and threatened mass protests if their demands were not addressed.

SUP’s statement was a sharp reminder of growing discontent with the Boakai administration.

Their list of grievances ranges from governance failures to police brutality and has at the same time underscored the challenges facing Liberia’s fragile democracy.

With mass protests looming, SUP noted that the government’s refusal to address paramount issues in the country would lead to mounting pressure to address their demands or risk a wave of unrest that could further destabilize the country.

The student-led movement, known for its history of activism, described the government’s 11-month tenure as a period of “endless deception and lies,” claiming it has failed to deliver on promises while worsening the plight of ordinary Liberians.

SUP argued that the administration’s lack of transparency and accountability has eroded public trust.

Wheeler, in his statement, made specific accusations of Economic Mismanagement and corruption, pointing fingers at officials such as Public Works Minister Roland Giddings for allegedly mismanaging $22 million, while also questioning dubious contracts and financial dealings involving senior government figures.

The students-based political movement also frowned at “unconstitutional Actions being carried out by the Executive and condemned the removal of tenure officials and civil servants without due process, calling it a breach of the rule of law.

“Mr. Boakai’s so-called 42 years of experience have brought nothing but despair, leaving the country on the brink of collapse,” SUP asserted.

Education in Crisis

SUP Chairman, Wheeler accused the government of neglecting Liberia’s education sector, describing budgetary allocations as inadequate.

At the University of Liberia, he demanded urgent improvements in facilities, including modern libraries, science labs, and internet access.

Wheeler also decried the suspension of 14 students at Tubman University, calling it a violation of constitutional rights.

“Suspending students for expressing their concerns is dictatorial and unprofessional,” SUP Chairman, Wheeler declared.

Police Brutality and Security Failures

At the same time, Wheeler singled out Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman and PSU-197 Commander Malachi Kolubah, accusing them of gross human rights abuses, including violent crackdowns on student protests. SUP also chastised the police for failing to address rising insecurity, citing unsolved cases like the Kinjor massacre and the killings of motorcyclists in Buchanan and Nimba.

“The Liberia National Police has become a tool of repression under Coleman’s leadership, marked by brutal attacks on peaceful protesters,” SUP charged, demanding the immediate dismissal of both officials.

Economic Hardships Escalating

Similarly, the rising cost of living and inflated charges for data and calls by GSM companies Orange and Lonestar drew sharp criticism from SUP.

SUP Chairman described the recent surcharges as a violation of the 2007 LTA Act and an attack on citizens’ rights to affordable communication.

SUP gave the Liberia Telecommunication Authority (LTA) and GSM companies a 72-hour ultimatum to reverse the hikes or face unspecified “revolutionary actions.”

Broken Promises

SUP further cataloged a series of unfulfilled promises by the administration, including, a failed $25 million scholarship scheme for students, a promised six-month water connection project for Monrovia, Kakata, and Buchanan, and Road rehabilitation projects that have left southeastern roads in worse condition.

As a result, the party, through its Chairman, Wheeler, has announced its readiness to organize nationwide protests, invoking Articles 1, 15, and 17 of the Constitution, which guarantee the right to peaceful assembly.

SUP also appealed to international organizations, including the United Nations, ECOWAS, and Amnesty International, to intervene in what they termed “the government’s sustained assault on democratic principles.”

Meanwhile, SUP wants the government to take immediate action against officials who continue to plunge the country into acts unbecoming of public officials.

Among their demands, SUP called for, the dismissal of Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman and PSU-197 Commander Malachi Kolubah the restoration of affordable call and data rates within 72 hours, improved funding and facilities for public universities, and audits of public funds dating back to 2013.

SUP-Liberia