MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Former Assistant Minister for Information Services at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Matthew Nyanplu, has publicly criticized the lack of substance and efficiency within the government position he once held. In a detailed statement on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Nyanplu described the role as a “do-nothing” job, exposing systemic issues that he believes undermine Liberia’s development.
According to Nyanplu, the position of Assistant Minister for Information Services was largely ceremonial, devoid of the resources and support necessary to fulfill its intended responsibilities. He claimed the three bureaus under his supervision—Broadcasting, Audiovisual Aid, and Public Affairs—were non-functional due to the absence of basic equipment.
Nyanplu lamented the dire state of the Broadcasting Bureau, which lacked essential tools like recorders, audio editing software, and hard drives. Despite being tasked with creating government broadcast programming, the bureau had no channel to air its content. Similarly, the Audiovisual Aid Bureau faced identical resource challenges, rendering both bureaus ineffective.
“MICAT’s decision was that we should pay LBS [Liberia Broadcasting System] to air their work. I urged them to dissolve the bureaus if that is the case. So the people just go to MICAT, sign, do nothing 8-4 pm, and take pay. Such a job does not excite me,” Nyanplu stated.
The Public Affairs Bureau, responsible for organizing press conferences, fared no better. Nyanplu described it as lacking even a functional computer, a stark reminder of the systemic neglect plaguing the ministry.
During his nine months in the position, Nyanplu said he became disillusioned with MICAT leadership’s indifference to improving conditions. Despite raising concerns, he observed no interest in procuring equipment or funding necessary operations.
“I could have kept my mouth shut if I was interested in just taking a salary. But every day I went to that place and saw that the leadership showed no interest in the work, I felt sad for the country,” he said.
Nyanplu’s remarks also served as a direct response to Unity Party (UP) supporters he referred to as “propagandists,” accusing them of falsely claiming he missed his MICAT position.
“To miss MICAT job is to miss doing nothing. That leads to brain death. I was very happy to quit. In fact, when the minister warned me that I could lose the job, I said to him, ‘I will go in good conscience.’ I feel good to this day,” Nyanplu retorted.
He emphasized that his dissatisfaction stemmed from a desire for national progress and accountability, which he claimed is often stifled by a culture of complacency within government.
Rejecting the notion that he clings to his former title, Nyanplu said he is now thriving, leveraging his skills and talents to contribute meaningfully elsewhere. “God has blessed me with multiple talents and skills. I am comfortable right now,” he concluded.
