How Will Students And Faculty Members React?
As the two Liberian lawmakers, Moses Acarous Gray and Yekeh Kolubah were seen in happy embrace in the chamber of the House of Representatives days after their chaotic presence on the UL Capitol Hill campus, the President of the state-owned University announced the indefinite suspension of student politics on all UL campuses.
“As of today, March 16, 2023, student politics on all UL campuses are hereby suspended until further notice,” Dr. Julius Sarwolo Nelson, Jr. said in a statement. (FULL TEXT OF THE SPECIAL STATEMENT WILL FOLLOW AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY)
Some UL watchers are not sure whether the latest move by the UL President would ease the tension or further worsen the situation on the University’s campuses or how the faculty will react.
On Monday, the state-owned University’s campus once again turned into a theater of violence, with stone throwing and rioting, leaving several persons injured and properties damaged.
It happened after Montserrado County District #8 Representative, Moses Acarous Gray carried out his vow to go on the campus and have lunch on Monday, March 13, 2023 in the aftermath of a violent attack on an official in the office of the Finance Minister, Alloysius Howe last week. Coming along with him was scores of his supporters, something that annoyed students from the Students Unification Party (SUP).
In the wake of the violence, Liberia National Police had to move in to bring the situation under control firing teargas. Another lawmaker from the opposition CPP, Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah also move over to the UL campus saying he had gone to hand over the UL students’ campus to them.
Monterrado County Senator, Saah Joseph later condemned the actions of both Lawmakers and the UL students. In an interview with state radio, ELBC, Sen. Joseph from the ruling CDC said the violence on the UL campus was unacceptable.
Police Spokesman Moses Carter later said that six persons were arrested and taken into police custody in connection to Monday’s violence. The University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) also condemned the violence calling for immediate investigation and the protection of faculty members and students.
Special Statement
By Prof. Dr. Julius Julukon Sarwolo Nelson, Jr.
President of the University of Liberia
March 16, 2023
As of today, March 16, 2023, student politics on all UL campuses are hereby suspended until further notice.
The suspension comes in the wake of the many violent disturbances on the University of Liberia campuses.
Students are mandated to keep in strict conformity to this pronouncement. Violators would be severely sanctioned in keeping with the UL Revised Student Handbook.
Accordingly, no political group shall assemble or hold meetings or engage in any politically-related activities on any of the University of Liberia campuses during this period of suspension.
The suspension affects political/solidarity marches, political gatherings, the wearing of symbols and emblems depicting and promoting campusbased political groups, student protests, among others.
At the same time, the UL Administration condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent disturbances that erupted on the UL Capitol Hill campus on Monday, March 13, 2023, and by extension all such incidents.
Additionally, the UL Administration commissions an immediate independent investigation to probe the Monday disturbances, which led to the cancellation of classes and injuries to students and others.
The committee is headed by Professor T. Debey Sayndee, Director, Kofi Annan Institute for Conflict Transformation (KAICT).
The UL Administration ensures and commits the full protection and safety of all students/staff/faculty and users of the facilities and services of the University.
Meanwhile, UL students are reminded that the Revised UL Student Handbook strictly prohibits the use of disruptive noises, violence and vandalism on all its campuses.”
Signed: Prof. Dr. Julius Julukon Sarwolo Nelson, Jr.
President