Agiru warns of damage associated with impasse

PAPUA New Guineans debating the political impasse recently are doing so in the narrow view of “politics and the numbers game”, Southern Highlands Governor Anderson Agiru says.
Agiru, recently appointed deputy leader in the Sir Michael Somare-led group, said people had not fully realised the damage inflicted on the country.
“We have not looked at the irreparable damage created, not only to the integrity of our Constitution but also to the credibility as a nation as we face our development challenges that are before us,” he said.
“Every action has a cost.
“The cost to the nation, as a consequence of the recent actions by O’Neill-Namah regime in parliament to stay in power, is a dent to national credibility and additional negative points to sovereign
risk.
“This scrutiny shall be brought to bear by global investment bankers and financial agencies.
“The costs to the nation shall be borne by our children in the long term.”
Agiru said the people must be commended for their zeal and resilience during the height of the political impasse by applying restraint and common sense.
“The majority of them work their land, fish our rivers and seas and work long hours for low wages to afford daily sustenance,” he added.
“They would protest in the strongest terms possible if life were easy. Members of parliament have no right to prey on their patience and tolerance to act increasingly unlawfully.
“Southern Highlanders today, or in the future, will be prime ministers of our beautiful country, but we will do so not at the expense of undermining the constitutional supremacy of our country – no matter what the short-term gain is.”
Agiru said the regime led by Sir Michael was restored by the Supreme Court and would fight to ensure institutions of government were not abused and manipulated for political survival.
“We will further ensure the Constitution of PNG is not a target for shooting practice. Our survival, as a nation in the 21st century, is at stake here.”