By HARLYNE JOKU
POLICE are treating seriously “rumours” of threats to assassinate Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, and have stepped up security around him and his residences.
Police Commissioner Gari Baki told reporters of the assassination threats during a press conference at the police headquarters in Konedobu yesterday.
He said the threats came at a time when a demonstration orchestrated by members of various NGOs was being planned for today, for a march to Parliament to present a petition calling on the Prime Minister to step down over the Moti issue.
The demonstration has not been authorised by police and has been called off.
Mr Baki said reliable police intelligence confirmed assassination threats on the Prime Minister and senior elected leaders of the National Parliament and that police and Defence intelligence were conducting surveillance and taking precautionary measures around the clock to establish the threats and maintain law and order.
Mr Baki said he did not believe an assassination of the Prime Minister would take place in a Christian country like PNG, however, he added that security officers were taking the threats seriously and necessary precautionary measures had been launched.
“Whilst we think these are just rumors, we are taking them seriously and taking every necessary precaution. Our police and Defence intelligence were working closely and monitoring the situation,” Mr Baki said.
He did not indicate where the threats were coming from.
Police have increased street patrols, with heavy police presence at bus stops and markets under the operation codenamed Stretim Sindaun aimed at improving safety in the city.
Mr Baki added there were rumors of a planned protest march circulated over the last four weeks which was also intended to disrupt the handing down of the 2008 national budget.
But yesterday morning, his ACP Public Safety Jim Andres and Metropolitan Superintendent Fred Yakasa met the leaders of the NGO coalition initiating the demonstrations and convinced them to put off the planned protest marches in the interest of national security, peace and good order.
The group’s leaders Noel Anjo and Steven Andambo yesterday met with Mr Yakasa and his officers, and also attended Mr Baki’s press conference and talked to police commissioner.
They said the rainy season, and their failure to collect 50,000 signatures on their petitions was the reason behind their calling off the demonstration.
They said they could only manage 30,000 signatures.
Mr Anjo said the NGO group comprised PNG National Awareness Front, Millennium Good Governance, Eda Hanua Moresby Incorporated and NCD Youths Association.
Mr Anjo said some issues they were not happy about include amendments to remove special powers from the Ombudsman Commission, the resolution to increase MPs’ salaries by 100% while the salaries of public servants reportedly remained the same, and K1.3 million to be paid yearly to former chief justices, PMs, among others.
Another was the alleged nepotism reportedly being practiced by Sir Michael in making appointments of people to some top jobs in the country.
The group had reportedly conducted awareness campaigns for the last six months on the issues among others, among residents in NCD and other parts of the country including Lae and Madang.
Mr Anjo said the campaigns would continue in the provinces until next Parliament session.