Akunai to remain in EHP post

By MALUM NALU
CABINET has decided that Samson Akunai will continue as the Eastern Highlands acting provincial administrator for another three months.
Public Service Minister Elias Kapavore said that Cabinet, which met on Thursday, decided that Akunai would stay while the position was advertised.
“This position is vacant and will be advertised by the Department of Personnel Management,” he said.
“We go through the normal process for recruitment.”
Kapavore also advised Eastern Highlands Governor Peter Numu to stop making comments in the media on the position.
Kapavore in a letter to Numu told him that the appointment of his choice, Wesley Albert, “cannot be implemented”.
He said the position would be filled through the merit-based appointment process.
“You are further reminded that the Supreme Court (Solomon Tato v Samson Akunai and Ors) made orders in relation to the continuation of Samson Akunai as acting provincil administrator until such time a permanent appointment is made.”
Akunai called on Numu to stop interfering with the public service in the province.
“I haven’t done anything wrong to deserve the kind of treatment that has been dished out to me by the governor. I’ve tried my best to ensure that he comfortably gets into office, settles down and gets his priorities moving. I have no hard feels against him,” he said.
“I respect the way he’s going about doing his business. However, as a public servant there are rules and regulations to be observed.
“Unfortunately, my good governor did not follow those basic rules and regulations that govern public servants.”