Duban thanks Madang people for support

 RE-ELECTED Madang MP Nixon Duban is staying mum on prospects that he will be handed back the police ministry portfolio.

He was police minister before the court upheld an election petition by political rival Bryan Krammer, challenging his 2012 general election victory. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has since been looking after the portfolio.

Duban said his by-election victory was again a clear reflection of the wishes of the people on who to have as their representative in parliament.

He said while O’Neill had not allocated the ministry to anyone else since the court ruling, he would respect whatever decision he took on the matter as the head of government.

“Allocation of ministries is the prerogative of the Prime Minister,” he said. “Nevertheless, I want to sincerely thank the people of Madang for having the confidence and trust in me by their huge show of support through the ballot boxes. It truly indicates their desire for vital government services.

“Whatever developments transpired in the past nine months will be strengthened through the Joint District Planning and Budget Priorities Committee so that people can really appreciate the benefits they bring,” he said.

He urged Krammer and the other 16 candidates he beat in the by-election to work with him in serving the people at the grassroots level.

Duban thanked the Electoral Commission for conducting a free, fair and safe by-election even though there were a few hiccups.