An executive of the Liberia Football Association, Mr. Malcolm Joseph blasted students of the vanguard Students Unification Party on its latest protest on the premises of the Liberia Football Association, (LFA).
Today’s protest at the Liberia Football Association (LFA) by elements of the Students Unification Party (SUP) of the University of Liberia is not only misplaced but also a clear sign of political manipulation.
It is deeply concerning that university students, who should be focused on constructive advocacy and national development, have allowed themselves to be used as pawns in what appears to be a politically motivated attack against LFA President Mustapha Raji.
His nationality is a matter of law, not street protest, and the students have no authority to question or determine his Liberian citizenship. Their actions undermine the integrity of legitimate institutions responsible for such matters, including the Liberia Immigration Service.
Furthermore, this protest raises serious concerns about the true intent behind the students’ actions. Is this genuinely about national interest, or are they being influenced by opponents of President Raji to create unnecessary tension?
It is no secret that Raji has significantly improved Liberian football, and his leadership should be judged based on his performance, not on baseless allegations regarding his nationality.
His birthright as a Liberian is unquestionable, considering his Liberian mother of the Via ethnic group and Nigerian-born naturalized Liberian father. If every Liberian citizen with mixed heritage were subjected to such scrutiny, it would set a dangerous precedent of discrimination and selective justice.
The LFA must take swift action to investigate the individuals behind this protest and ensure that such politically charged disruptions do not occur again. Students must not be used as tools to serve the selfish interests of those who seek to destabilize institutions for their selfish gain.
The University of Liberia should also take steps to educate its students on responsible activism, ensuring that they channel their energy into meaningful national discourse rather than being misled by political actors.
If there are any genuine legal concerns about Raji’s nationality, they should be addressed through the appropriate legal channels, not by street protests that serve no constructive purpose.
