East Sepik Governor, Allan Bird has raised a series of questions in Parliament on the status of the government investigations into claims of nepotism in the recent Papua New Guinea Defence Force Recruitment.
Bird directed his questions to Prime Minister James Marape asking why the former Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph was given a new Portfolio when the outcome of investigations into the recruitment process is yet to be made public.
Bird said it was his understanding that a report was completed and is either with the Prime Minister or before the cabinet.
“I’d like to ask the Prime Minister to explain the rationale behind appointing the same minister to a new ministry so that all of us may understand why that was done rather than leaving the minister aside until all questions are answered in that particular report, that still needs to be tabled in parliament,” Bird asked.
In response, Prime Minister Marape announced that the report on investigations into the PNGDF recruitment is yet to be received by his office. Marape said he has directed the Chief Secretary to be quick with the report.
While Marape said he is not privy to the details of the investigations, he expressed concern on the terminology used by Governor Bird to suggest that the former minister may be involved.
“It surprises me to hear that the leader, asking the question, governor of East Sepik said maybe the former defence minister is implicated. I do not know what manner of information he has to make his assertion or assumption.
Marape said if he as the chair or NEC is not privy to the report that it just shows the level of political interest that is taking place.
“I ask the leader asking the questions, how did he know the former minister had some interest in this or was part of this?” Marape asked.
The Prime Minister further made a comment advising all leaders in Parliament to respect the process and procedures of the country. Marape said once the full report is available in parliament that it can be debated.
“It is OK, to raise questions of national interests but allow the process to be completed”, Marape said before taking his seat in parliament.
In a point of order, East Sepik Governor, Allan Bird pointed out that he used the word “may” and as he understands in the English context that does not impute guilt or otherwise.
“My question simply put to the Prime Minister is that if the report is tabled, it will determine whether or not the minister was implicated and he was the minister responsible at all material times,” rebutted Bird.
Marape when asked by acting speaker of Parliament to complete his response said he was not a born English speaker, but the Parliament Standing Orders explicitly states that there should not be assumptions made in Parliament.
“The investigation is running, it is compelled. We are not too far for (the report) being sent to this parliament. Let us have some decorum as national leaders in our conduct,” said Marape.
In a second point of order, Opposition Leader, James Nomane said while the opposition respects the Parliament House, it has taken over two months to complete those investigations.
“This was done two months ago, and we are still waiting for this investigation report,” said Nomane.
Marape who had to respond to the same question for the third time said he was equally frustrated as the opposition leader.
“That is why I said in my initial responses, two weeks ago I asked the Chief Secretary of our country where is this report?” Marape said.
Before completing the response, Marape said if the former minister is implicated in the report than appropriate actions will be taken.
