A former Governor is calling on the Ombudsman Commission not to approve and release any funding submitted for clearance.
Francis Potape an intending candidate contesting the Hela Regional Seat says the watchdog must not entertain any cheques as it is unfair and illegal.
He said this is an act of corruption and the Ombudsman Commission must intervene by freezing all these funds submitted by any Provincial Government or for that matter District Development Authorities.
“This is morally wrong, incumbent leaders are now using that money as their pocket money during the national general elections. It’s visible in Hela Province. Those in power are using this public funds to pay individuals to buy votes or lure support”, said Potape.
Potape told INSIDE PNG News, this corruption must be exposed and OC must freeze any form of payment submitted before them(OC) for approval.
“I call on OC to be proactive and intervene, these are public funds, only accounts that relate to public servants must remain operational. Individual cheques or payments to small organisations must not be entertained,” Potape said.
” It’s happening all around Hela Province and people can see it clearly. The Ombudsman Commission must visit Hela and see what is happening,” said Potape.
Potape said leaders are using public funds in their campaigns. He said this is unfair and illegal.
“Some of us are using our own resources to campaign during the Election while sitting Members of Parliament are accessing public funding to bribe voters,” added Potape.
The former Governor said no one is doing anything about this and it is a concern for us intending candidates. He said millions in the Hela Provincial Government account are not being used to improve and deliver essential services but are now used to fund campaigns and other election related matters.
” I call on OC not to approve or allow any payments submitted by Hela Provincial Government for vetting. This must be stopped”, said Potape.
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