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Monrovia-December 2, 2925: Nimba County Senator Nya Twayen has delivered candid remarks aimed at the Student Unification Party (SUP), underscoring the necessity of political criticism in a functioning democracy while reminding activists that no administration can achieve perfection.
Speaking in response to continued protests and pressure actions led by SUP against the government, the senator acknowledged the organization’s historic role as a vocal watchdog in Liberia’s political landscape but urged a balanced approach to national dialogue.
“In the eyes of the Student Unification Party, there is no perfect government,” Twayen stated. “I know even if Prophet Jesus will come here to serve, the party will still question the government.”
Twayen’s comment, delivered with a blend of humor and realism, was not meant as dismissal of political activism, but rather as recognition of SUP’s enduring tradition of challenging governmental authority.
Since its founding, SUP has been known for its uncompromising stance toward those in power, frequently organizing protests over social justice issues, economic hardships, academic conditions, governance transparency, and broader national concerns.
According to the senator, the persistence of criticism-no matter which political party holds office is an inevitable feature of democratic governance. “In democracy, questioning authority is not just allowed; it is necessary,” he said. “That is what keeps leaders alert and accountable.”
However, Senator Twayen also cautioned that constructive engagement must complement protest, arguing that meaningful national progress requires dialogue in addition to dissent. He encouraged student activists and civil society groups to pair their advocacy with structured civic engagement, policy proposals, and legislative collaboration.
“Criticism without solutions risks becoming noise,” he noted. “Our young people must challenge us, yes-but they should also bring ideas that help rebuild the country.”
SUP members have long maintained that consistent pressure is essential to prevent complacency among political leaders, regardless of ideology or leadership style. To them, skepticism toward government has been less about hostility and more about maintaining accountability standards.
Observers say Twayen’s remarks highlight the enduring tension between governing authorities and protest movements in Liberia, a friction that has shaped political discourse for decades.
Despite differences in tactics and tone, both sides agree on one fundamental truth: democracy lives at the crossroads of authority and dissent.
As Liberia grapples with economic recovery, governance reforms, and youth unemployment, debates between lawmakers and student activists remain part of the nation’s evolving civic engine-sometimes messy, occasionally confrontational, but central to the democratic experiment.
Senator Twayen closed by reiterating his respect for SUP’s history while appealing for unity. “Our country advances not when we silence critics, but when we transform criticism into collaboration,” he said.
His message carries a timeless civic reminder: No government is flawless, and the voices that question it even relentlessly are woven into the fabric of democracy itself.