Bird denies party switch claims

EAST Sepik Governor Allan Bird says a recent claim of him leaving the National Alliance (NA) Party is not true.
“I will be staying with NA for 2022 elections,” he said.
“On Saturday, apparently someone circulated a rumor that Angoram MP Salio Waipo and I were leaving NA to join Pangu Party.
“These rumors are not true and no such discussion or decision was taken.
“In fact, Waipo and I were in Kambaramba village yesterday to assist with restoration and peace due to an attack by Moem villagers that left more than 40 houses burnt down.”
Bird assured NA party members and affiliates around the country that he and Waipo remained committed and loyal to National Alliance party because they had been invited into the party by the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Aitape-Lumi MP Patrick Pruaitch and leaving the hausman was not an easy thing to do.
“In my case, I have been a Pangu member since 2000, but, I see both parties as having their origin with our founding father so the respect will always be there.” Bird confirmed that this would be his last election.