Assistant Information Minister Suspended Over NEKOTECH Scam Allegations …Resigns Position

Following his public condemnation of the NEKOTECH Program, which he described as a scam targeting Liberians, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.  has indefinitely suspended Assistant Minister of Information Services, Matthew Nyanplu.
The suspension, announced by the Executive Mansion, cited breaches of intra-agency communication protocols and conduct unbecoming of a government official. 
However, hours after the suspension, Mr. Nyanplu tendered in his resignation.
Mr. Nyanplu’s suspension stems from his remarks urging Liberians not to invest in the NEKOTECH Work-Study Program, which he described as exploitative and deceptive. 
He criticized the program’s claims of guaranteed benefits, including admission to U.S. schools, financial aid, and job opportunities.
“Liberians should not invest 1 kobo in the NEKOTECH scam program,” Mr. Nyanplu declared in a detailed statement. 
He outlined multiple inconsistencies in the program’s promises, including misleading information about U.S. visa applications, language requirements, and work-study opportunities.
The President’s office clarified that the suspension was not about the content of Mr. Nyanplu’s claims but rather his failure to follow established communication protocols. 
“Officials must uphold operational procedures and policy directions of their institutions,” the statement read.
Mr. Nyanplu’s actions, while possibly well-intentioned, were deemed a violation of government norms and practices, the Executive Mansion added.
In his public statement, Mr. Nyanplu accused NEKOTECH of exploiting desperate Liberians. He highlighted specific issues, including:
i. Charging applicants for services that are unnecessary, such as taking the Duolingo English test.
ii. Misrepresenting U.S. immigration rules, including work-study and visa processes.
iii. Inflating salary expectations for graduates in the U.S.
He called on Liberians to avoid paying money to the program, emphasizing that similar opportunities could be pursued independently without third-party involvement.
Mr. Nyanplu dismantled NEKOTECH’s assertions point-by-point, exposing inaccuracies in their promises:
i. He clarified that English-speaking Liberians do not require language tests like TOEFL or Duolingo for admission to most U.S. schools.
ii. He debunked claims of guaranteed three-year work-study opportunities, explaining that work authorization for F1 visa holders is conditional and often limited.
iii. He criticized NEKOTECH’s suggestion that applicants were assured U.S. visas, calling it a blatant lie.
“Admission to a U.S. school does not guarantee a study visa. The U.S. Embassy does not involve third parties in visa applications,” Mr. Nyanplu asserted.
The NEKOTECH program has faced mounting criticism for its alleged exploitation of vulnerable Liberians. 
Public calls for an investigation into the Foreign Ministry’s endorsement of the program have grown louder.
Mr. Nyanplu did not mince words in holding the Foreign Ministry accountable, stating, “The government must immediately expel NEKOTECH from Liberia. The President must act against the Foreign Minister for this broad-day deception.”
Shortly after his suspension was announced, Mr. Nyanplu resigned from his position. 
In his resignation letter, he reiterated his commitment to protecting Liberians from exploitation and described his decision as a stand for integrity and accountability.
“I cannot continue to serve in an environment where truth-telling is punished. My loyalty is to the Liberian people,” he wrote.
Mr. Nyanplu’s statement urged the government to expel NEKOTECH and hold those responsible for promoting the program accountable. 
He also offered to guide Liberians interested in pursuing studies abroad, free of charge.
As public pressure mounts, the future of the NEKOTECH program remains unclear.  
The controversy has drawn attention to the broader issue of accountability in programs targeting vulnerable populations, with many calling for stricter oversight of such initiatives.
The fallout from this episode highlights the tensions between government officials and public accountability. 
While Mr. Nyanplu’s bold stance has earned him public support, his suspension and resignation expose the challenges of addressing systemic issues within government operations.
The Liberian public awaits further developments as the NEKOTECH scandal unfolds, with many urging swift and decisive action from the Boakai’s administration.