Cabinet appoints new CS head

 CORRECTIONAL Services Minister Jim Simatab says Cabinet has appointed an acting commissioner to replace Michael Waipo, and warned officers to remain calm and “avoid unnecessary disturbances”.

He was referring to the conduct of some CS officers at Bomana Prison who broke into the armoury and removed some weapons, while some had been “loudly celebrating” since last Thursday.

He did not mention the name of the acting commissioner, but Waipo, in a statement yesterday, said Chief Inspector Bernard Nepo had been selected for the post.

Simatab said the appointment and termination of a department head was the prerogative of the Government.

“As minister, I do not have the final or sole say, rather it is a collective decision of Cabinet under the chairmanship of the prime minister,” he said.

Simatab said the acting commissioner was appointed for three months, and the formal handover would take place next week. He said reasons for the change in the commissioner’s job would be revealed then.

Simatab urged CS officers and the prison system in the country “to remain calm and avoid unnecessary disturbances that could compromise the security and safety of the jail facilities and their occupants”. 

He said the prison officers who “stepped outside the line over the last week”would be dealt with.