The recently suspended Assistant Minister for Information Services at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Matthew Nyanplu, has tendered in his resignation.
Nyanplu was suspended indefinitely for breaching intra-agency communication protocols and engaging in conduct deemed inappropriate for a government official.
According to a statement from the Executive Mansion, the suspension was not related to the substance of Mr. Nyanplu’s concerns but rather his failure to adhere to established norms and channels in addressing them.
The government maintained its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and accountability, stressing the importance of following proper government protocols.
The suspension followed a contentious Facebook post by Mr. Nyanplu in which he warned Liberians against investing in the NEKOTECH program, labeling it a “scam.”
He alleged that the initiative, which promises opportunities to study and work in the United States, misleads citizens and requires unnecessary payments, including fees for the DUOLINGO language test.
As if not justifiable, on Sunday, November 17, Mr. Nyanplu submitted a strongly worded resignation letter to President Boakai, expressing dismay over what he described as an orchestrated attempt by “powerful individuals” within the President’s inner circle to silence him.
He reiterated in his analysis detailing concerns about the NEKOTECH “work-study-loan” program, which he claims is riddled with contradictions, financial extortion, and misrepresentation.
He alleged that the program, promoted by Liberia’s Foreign Minister and endorsed by the President, promised a $25 million work-study loan for 250 Liberians but imposed financial burdens on participants, contrary to its purported government backing.
“While the program was announced as fully funded by the Government of Liberia, candidates are required to pay $236 for ‘preparatory support’ services. This is deceptive and misleading,” Mr. Nyanplu wrote.
He further accused the program of falsely representing the U.S. government’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) program as a “work-study” opportunity.
Mr. Nyanplu justified his public criticism under Liberia’s Whistleblower Protection Law, arguing that his actions were in the public interest and claimed his warnings to senior government officials about the program were ignored, leaving him with no choice but to go public.
“This initiative is charging money to Liberians when the Foreign Minister claimed it was a government-funded opportunity. Students are now expected to shoulder the loan obligations themselves,” he stated. He further accused the Foreign Minister of having a vested interest in the scheme, which he said had brought “serious disgrace” to Liberia.
Mr. Nyanplu urged the government to terminate the NEKOTECH program and prevent further exploitation of Liberians and called for greater accountability, noting, “Public officials must own up to their mistakes and apologize to the country. This is what integrity is.”
“The country must one day embrace accountability and dissent as pillars of good governance,” Mr. Nyanplu concluded in his resignation letter.
The resignation adds to growing public scrutiny of the NEKOTECH initiative with critics now heaping questions over its transparency and the government’s involvement, calling for an investigation into its operations.