A staunch member of the Unity Party (UP) Youth Congress, David Zubah, has publicly drawn sharp contrasts between the leadership styles of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) Youth League Chairman, Jefferson T. Koijee, and the Unity Party Youth Congress Chairman, Melvin Caphas.
In a widely circulated statement, Zubah outlined what he described as the “differences in leadership impact” between the two youth leaders, highlighting both strengths and shortcomings.
According to Zubah, former CDC Youth League Chairman Jefferson Koijee was “violent” but at the same time “created job opportunities for young people,” and “stood firmly for the youths” within his party. He credited Koijee’s tenure with helping many CDC partisans acquire foreign education through his office and offering young people chances to serve their country.
In contrast, Zubah accused UP Youth Congress Chairman Melvin Caphas of lacking the same level of engagement and influence. “Melvin is not violent,” Zubah acknowledged, “but he has not created any job opportunities for young people.” He further alleged that under Melvin’s leadership, young people in the Unity Party “are abandoned and neglected,” describing him as someone “standing for himself” rather than representing the broader youth constituency.
Zubah went on to say that “if Jefferson was to stand anywhere on Broad Street, there would be a traffic block – that’s leadership,” adding that “if Melvin was to stand anywhere on Broad Street, not even a motorcycle would be blocked – that’s lack of leadership.”
While some might argue that Koijee had greater influence as both CDC Youth League Chair and Mayor of Monrovia — positions that came with access to significant resources — Zubah maintained that Koijee’s effectiveness stemmed from leadership qualities, not his budget.
“My argument is, if it was Jefferson as UP Youth Congress Chairman, he could not have settled for such a position knowing he represents the backbone of the party — the youths,” Zubah stated. “The truth is actually stubborn.”
He concluded his statement with a call for reflection and possible reform within the Unity Party’s youth wing, asking, “Will there be a recalibration?”
Neither Chairman Melvin nor the Unity Party has yet issued a formal response to Zubah’s remarks.
