At DN News Liberia, we are concerned over the recent public criticism leveled by Matthew Nyanplu, Assistant Minister of Information, which led to his resignation, against the government’s scholarship initiative aimed at helping young Liberians study and work in the United States.
While the substance of Nyanplu’s allegations may raise legitimate concerns, his approach and his position -at the time – as a government official make his actions a default on his duty to the Liberian people and a PR Suicide.
As a public servant tasked with promoting and defending government policies, Nyanplu’s role should have been to support, clarify, and enhance the credibility of national initiatives—not publicly attack them.
Nyanplu’s criticism of the scholarship program, and his condemnation of NEKOTECH, the partner organization involved, suggests that he believes the program to be a scam or a misstep on the part of the government. While these concerns, if valid, should certainly be addressed, the manner in which he aired them publicly as a government official raises serious questions about his commitment to his role. The essence of public relations within the government is to build trust and understanding between the administration and the public, not to sow division or undermine national policies that seek to benefit the citizenry.
As Assistant Minister of Information, Nyanplu was in a position to shape the narrative surrounding government initiatives, to highlight their potential, and to ensure that accurate information is being shared with the public. However, by choosing to publicly disparage the scholarship program—an initiative endorsed by his superior, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow Nyanti—he committed Public Relations Suicide and failed in his responsibility to present the government’s position in a unified, coherent manner.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs has praised this program for its potential to provide young Liberians with valuable opportunities abroad. Nyanplu’s actions not only contradict this endorsement but also create unnecessary confusion and distrust among Liberians, who are looking for clear, consistent guidance from their government.
There is no doubt that when national initiatives—especially those involving large sums of money—are introduced, questions and concerns are bound to arise. Transparency is critical, and any program involving public funds should be subject to scrutiny. However, it is also essential that concerns are raised through the proper channels, with a focus on constructive dialogue rather than outright condemnation.
As a government official, Nyanplu had the opportunity to raise any doubts or seek clarification on aspects of the program behind closed doors, working collaboratively with relevant ministries and stakeholders to ensure its integrity and success. Publicly attacking the initiative, undermines the very governance he is supposed to represent.
Furthermore, it is important to note that as a government spokesperson, Nyanplu’s actions carry weight. Public statements from government officials can significantly impact how policies are perceived by the public, both domestically and internationally.
His actions have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and suspicion, which could deter students from applying for the program and even harm Liberia’s reputation on the international stage.
We also recognize that, as a public official, Nyanplu is entitled to voice his opinions and concerns. However, this must be done within the context of his role and responsibility. Criticism is a fundamental part of any democracy, but it is crucial that such criticism is constructive and measured, particularly when it comes from someone in a position of public trust. Nyanplu’s decision to attack the program in such a public manner seems more like a personal vendetta than a reasoned, informed critique.
In conclusion, while there may be valid concerns regarding the implementation of the scholarship program, the actions of Mathew Nyanplu as a government official have proven counterproductive. As a public servant tasked with presenting the government’s message to the people, he should be working to unite and clarify, not divide and discredit.
Now that he has resigned his position it is a lesson to he and everyone person that the moment you accept a PR Job it means – shut up or speak when necessary.
