Councillors slam critics of Kuman

COUNCILLORS in Jiwaka’s south Waghi district are calling on North Waghi leaders not to criticise the director of Jiwaka Transitional Authority.
In a meeting last Thursday in Aviamp, the eight ward councillors said the allegations against Nicholas Kuman for misusing JTA funds were not true.
Speaking for the councillors, Tony Sika said Kuman was a respected leader and senior public servant who had once worked as the vice-chancellor for the University of Papua New Guinea.
He said Kuman was their pride and such continuous attack on him in the media would only tarnish their leader’s name and reputation.
He said Kuman and other Jiwaka leaders had played a big part in establishing the province.
Sika said they should engaged a qualified and registered auditor to check their books and see if Kuman had done anything wrong.
Kuman was alleged to have misappropriated K12.5 million belonging to JTA. There were also calls that he be suspended.
It is understood that plans are under way to have a team of government auditors visit Jiwaka.