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By ZACHERY PER and CLIFFORD
FAIPARIK
THE Government has flown more police personnel into Port Moresby as
fears grow about various groups protesting against the formation of
government next Monday. Various groups have already
voiced their concern against the National Alliance forming the new
government and also against Sir Julius Chan and Sir Mekere Morauta
taking the reins.
Police have detained three people in Port Moresby yesterday and
confiscated their campaign materials.
Members of Simbu province based, Kerowagi Mobile Squad 8 (MS 8)
yesterday flew into to Port Moresby to be part of the police contingent
to be deployed in the capital during the formation of a new government.
MS 8 Commander, Sgt Tande Toimaria led the strong 33-member police unit
who flew out of Goroka yesterday on a chartered South West aircraft.
Lae based MS 13 and MS 18 from Tomaringa, East New Britain province, are
also being flown to Port Moresby for the heightened security operations.
NA president Simon Kaiwi yesterday warned against these lobby groups in
Port Moresby disrupting or interfering with the process of the formation
of government on Monday.
In a statement, Mr Kaiwi accused the opposition camp of trying to create
instability and fear in the minds of the public.
He urged the minority groups to concede defeat.
“The opposition with their support has been trying to influence public
perception for many months before our people expressed their choice at
the polls.
“People throughout PNG have voted and the NA has the biggest majority of
members elected to form the new government.
“Opponents and minority groups in Port Moresby must respect the wishes
of the people in line with the Organic Law on Political Parties and
Candidates,” Mr Kaiwi said.
Meanwhile, in Port Moresby police confiscated a vehicle, banners, loud
hailer and documents belonging to non-governmental organisation
leaders after suspecting them for campaigning against a government led
by NA.
National Capital District/Central police commander Assistant
Commissioner Alfred Reu said these people were told not to go around the
city to organise unnecessary meetings opposing the formation of an
NA-led government.
Mr Reu said they were freed after police spoke to them.
He said that the vehicle was now locked up at the Waigani police station
with the two banners, a loud hailer and some documents.
Those items will be released to the owners later.
The three men – Victor Kongob (Millennium Good Governance Organisation
president), Noel Anjo (PNG National Awareness Front president) and
Philip Kepau (Eda Hanua Mosbi Inc president) – told The National that
police stopped them at Waigani after they had gone to the National
Broadcasting Commission studio at Five Mile to have their notice
broadcast publicly.
Mr Kongob said that they were only creating awareness for the people to
force their elected MPs to vote against Sir Mekere, Sir Julius or Sir
Michael from becoming the prime minister.
He said they were against Sir Julius for what happened in Bougainville,
Sir Mekere for privatisation and the student protest in 2001 that led to
some deaths, and Sir Michael for failing to address the Moti saga,
Telikom-Digicel row and the stalled Finance inquiry.
“We want a new prime minister, not the recycled ones,” he said.
“We want MPs in the likes of Bart Philemon, Don Polye, Dr Puka Temu or
Patrick Pruaitch to become prime minister.
“We are only creating a peaceful awareness and not a violent one like in
2001.”
Mr Kongob denied suggestions that they were funded by politicians vying
to become prime minister.
 
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