In a striking move that underscores growing discontent within the Boakai administration, Matthew Nyanplu has submitted his resignation as Assistant Minister for Information Services, effective immediately. In a detailed resignation letter addressed to President Boakai, Nyanplu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve but voiced profound disappointment over his indefinite suspension, which he believes was motivated by powerful interests within the government.
Nyanplu’s resignation is rooted in his opposition to a controversial “work-study” program associated with NEKOTECH, which he claims misleads Liberians into paying for services falsely advertised as government-secured. He specifically criticized a $25 million initiative announced by the Foreign Minister, which purported to offer educational opportunities and work placements for 250 Liberians in the United States.
In his letter, Nyanplu describes the program as “extortionate,” revealing that participants are required to pay at least $236 for preparatory support to apply for graduate school, despite assurances from government officials that the program was funded by the state. He argued that the Foreign Minister’s claims have left many Liberians vulnerable and confused, as they believe the government will cover their loan obligations—an assertion that has proven false.
“The contradictions and misinformation in this ‘work-study’ program bring serious disgrace to our country,” Nyanplu wrote. He emphasized that true work-study programs in the U.S. are funded by the U.S. government and that NEKOTECH’s initiative is misleadingly promoting a process that is not aligned with the realities of U.S. immigration and education systems.
Nyanplu invoked the Whistleblower Protection Law of Liberia, defending his decision to publicly denounce what he views as a harmful initiative. He expressed frustration over the lack of accountability among senior officials, stating that there has been a collective unwillingness to address the misinformation that has been disseminated to the public.
“I remain faithful to the country and to the people,” he concluded. “I leave the job a happy man and will be available whenever the country needs me and is ready to tolerate dissent.”
The resignation highlights the growing tensions within the Boakai administration and raises questions about the integrity of government-sponsored programs aimed at assisting Liberians. As Nyanplu steps down, the future of the NEKOTECH initiative remains uncertain, with calls for greater transparency and accountability in the government’s dealings.
