Baki’s contract expired

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
POLICE Minister Bryan Kramer is aware of reports that the previous government did not extend police commissioner Gari Baki’s contract which expired last month.
Kramer said that his predecessor and Gazelle MP Jelta Wong had advised him that they never appointed Baki to be acting and it seemed that Baki, pictured, was unofficially discharging the duties of the commissioner since his five- year term expired on May 15.
“This issue was brought to my attention by the former police minister. And I have briefed Prime Minister James Marape and will be seeking the advice of the attorney-general,” he said.
Kramer said yesterday that the National Executive Council would have to confirm reports that Baki had not been appointed to be the acting commissioner until the appointment of a new commissioner.
Kramer is also aware of reports that deputy commissioner for operations Jim Andrews and deputy commissioner for administration Raphael Huafolo’s contracts will expire next month, July 6.
Kramer had said last Tuesday at police headquarters that the police commissioner’s job was now on the market after Baki’s contract expired on May 15.
“Baki’s contract has been extended for another three months because we need command during this transient period while candidates are lobbying for the commissioner’s position,” Kramer had said.
“The appointment of the commissioner is on merit basis and no one (MPs) will be involved to lobby for their candidate for their own interest because that is conflict of interest.”