Governor Wararu denies allegations of bribery
By GABRIEL FITO
EAST Sepik Governor Peter Wararu Waranaka has denied all allegations of bribery levelled against him by runner-up of the Yangoru-Saussia seat Gabriel Dusava in the national elections last year.
Mr Wararu, who took the witness stand at the National Court in Wewak last Friday to rebut allegations of bribery filed by Mr Dusava, told a small but packed courtroom that all monies given out were approved by the joint district planning and budget priority committee (JDPBPC) and that he had nothing to hide.
He told the court during cross-examination that as the sitting Member and governor, it was his responsibility to deliver to the people even during the eve of the elections until the writs were returned.
The governor is facing five counts of bribery brought against him by Mr Dusava.
Mr Wararu told the court that the K2,000 given to Oscar Manihau was to offset debts incurred during the opening of the Marinumbo auxiliary police station.
He said the money was approved by the JDPBPC and that was not bribery.
Mr Wararu told the court that another allegation of K50 being given to Markus Paringu of Wamaiang village to bribe him was not true as the money was not intended for him.
“The money was intended for one of his supporters but because that person was going away to Munji, Markus stepped forward and accepted the money on his behalf to buy tinned fish and rice for the boys who were working on a grandstand,” he said.
Mr Wararu also denied promising to assist a women’s group at Niakandogum No 2 village if he wins the elections, adding that he was only there at their invitation to explain how the credit scheme worked.
Leader of the women’s group Juliana Saussihune, who also testified in support of Mr Wararu, told the court that he was invited to the village to explain how they could benefit from the credit scheme which he initiated through the Sepik Savings and Loans Society.
Four other witnesses, including Manihau, also testified in support of Mr Wararu.
They said no money was distributed to induce votes.
All witnesses to the plaintiff and defendant have given their evidences.
The National Court hearing, headed by Justice George Manuhu, will receive final submissions from lawyers representing the petitioner and respondent on Thursday at 9.30am.
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