—-Vows “revolutionary resistance”
The Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) at the University of Liberia has officially condemned the Liberian government’s continued investigations into former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr., labeling the actions a “political witch-hunt”.
The student party issued a statement signed by Secretary-General David Howard Jr. and approved by Chairman Odecious Mulbah. The declaration highlights a growing confrontation between the student movement and President Joseph Boakai’s administration over governance and judicial independence.
SUP strongly defended the recent court verdict that found Samuel Tweah and other former officials not guilty in a high-profile US$6.2 million economic sabotage trial. The group warned that attempts by the state to undermine the jury’s decision threaten judicial independence.
The student movement accused the Unity Party-led government of practicing selective justice. They noted that authorities launched a new probe into a separate US$21 million case involving the former Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) administration immediately after Tweah’s acquittal.
SUP argued that the anti-corruption apparatus is being weaponized against political rivals while ignoring scandals inside the current administration. They highlighted unresolved allegations, including an unvetted US$8 million reserve transfer to a private banker, luxury vehicle purchases, and illicit asset possession by current representatives.
The organization sharply criticized national civil society groups and religious leaders, such as the Liberian Council of Churches, accusing them of staying neutral and “choosing the side of the oppressor” by failing to speak out against state overreach.
SUP issued this condemnation as part of a wider, multi-pronged manifesto that threatens mass demonstrations. The group integrated their legal complaints with fierce opposition to campus policies at the University of Liberia:
SUP vowed “revolutionary resistance” against any plans by University of Liberia President Layli Maparyan to end or scale back the country’s free tuition policy.
The party claims its stance is not a personal defense of Tweah. Instead, they argue it is an ideological defense of democratic governance, constitutional norms, and the rule of law in Liberia.
SUP warming comes a day following Criminal Court “C” in Monrovia issuance of an official announcement for the opening of investigation into alleged jury misconduct and bribery following the highly publicized US$6.2 million corruption trial of Liberia’s former Finance Minister, Samuel Tweah.
On May 8, 2026, a jury at Criminal Court “C” acquitted Samuel Tweah and co-defendant D. Moses Cooper of all charges, which included economic sabotage, money laundering, and theft of property.
Immediately following the “not guilty” verdict, deep public skepticism and allegations surfaced claiming that judicial officials and jurors were bribed to delay proceedings and influence the final outcome. In response, Criminal Court “C” initiated a formal probe into jury misconduct.
While Tweah was entirely cleared by the jury, the trial concluded with mixed results for his co-defendants. Former Acting Minister of Justice Nyanti Tuan and former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh were convicted on lesser counts of criminal facilitation and conspiracy. Meanwhile, the charges against former Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) Director Stanley Ford ended in a hung jury.
Despite his acquittal in the US$6.2 million national security fund case, Tweah’s legal battles are far from over. On May 13, 2026, Liberia’s Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force officially summoned Tweah for a brand-new investigation. This separate probe targets the alleged misuse and theft of over US$20.5 million intended for state rice subsidy payments during his tenure under the George Weah administration.
