The University of Liberia Student Union (ULSU) has threatened unspecified actions, including mass protest, against the “majority bloc of the House of Representatives” if they fail to return to the House’s chambers to carried out the duties for which they were elected.
ULSU’s threat was issued on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, a few hours after a reconciliatory meeting initiated by some members of Speaker Koffa’s bloc ended in deadlock.
Speaking of the meeting, Nimba County’s district #5 Representative and Chairman of the “majority bloc”, Samuel Kogar, said he arrived at the grounds of the Capitol for a meeting at the behest of some members from the Speaker’s side. According to him, he had initially requested that the meeting be held in his office.
Representative Kogar disclosed that the Speaker’s bloc was represented by Representatives Ellen Attoh Wreh and Collins, who urged him to reconsider his action.
“I informed them that the primary demand from the majority block is for the Speaker to resign. They responded, suggesting that I proceed and gather the support of 49 members to push for the Speaker’s removal. Unfortunately, the meeting ended in a deadlock,” Representative Kogar explained.
However, the official leadership of the students of the University of Liberia (UL), ULSU, has mandated the forty-three (43) lawmakers in the “majority bloc of the House of Representatives” to immediately resume their legislative duties and fulfil their mandate under the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, emphasizing that it is unacceptable for elected representatives to leave their legislative chamber without fulfilling their responsibilities to address pressing issues facing the nation.
They reminded the lawmakers that they are entrusted by the people to act in the nation’s interest, particularly in these challenging times when decisive leadership and legislative actions are essential.
The University of Liberia Student Union demanded the immediate resumption of duties of the 43 lawmakers, insisting that they return to their legislative roles without delay to attend to matters of national interest, including critical issues affecting the economy, education, healthcare and security.
The student leadership observed that the prolonged absence of lawmakers from duty undermines the public’s trust, warning that the people of Liberia, especially the youth and student community, are closely watching this situation.
“We are preparing to take appropriate and lawful actions, including mass peaceful protest, in the coming days should there be continued neglect of legislative responsibilities. ULSU stands united in this endeavor and urges that all stakeholders, civil groups and citizens join us in holding our leaders accountable. Liberia’s progress depends on the active and responsible participation of its elected officials,” ULSU stated in a press release read by its Vice President, Abraham Garpehn.
Unfortunately, the Chairman of the “majority bloc”, Representative Kogar, has reportedly accused the political officers in Speaker Koffa’s office of allegedly mobilizing the student leaders, as well as other young people to cause confusion at the RLJ Resort, where they have been lodging since the inception of the conspiracy to remove Speaker Koffa.
