EHP admin’s appointment

SOLOMON Tato was the legitimate substantiative National Executive Council-appointed provincial administrator until his demise due to some unfortunate decisions he made.
Samson Akunai came onto the scene from outside the public service system.
The impasse that resulted was a story in itself.
Akunai resigned, however, he acted in the position for period of time.
The current provincial executive council extended Akunai’s last acting appointment and then revoked its own decision before the term expired because of insubordination.
The court battle is an episode in itself.
The Public Service ministerial commentary is interesting.
The courts may clear the cloud.
However, PSMA stipulates that PEC recommends and NEC makes the appointment.
For acting appointments, the process is the same except the power of NEC is delegated to the Public Service Minister who advises the governor-general to make the appointment on the recommendation of the governor (PEC).
It also states that acting appointment is necessary for several reasons, one of which is disciplinary.
The PEC’s revocation and recommendation are based on disciplinary matter of insubordination. The PEC has followed due process.
The governor’s stance from the outset is for good governance and swift service delivery.
To put the whole issue at rest and to make a substantive appointment, an independent inquiry needs to be put in place to dig deep to uncover the facts.
There seem to be flaws in the appointments thus far, creating uncertainty.
We, the people of Eastern Highlands have been grossly disadvantaged by crafty manoeuvrings.
The province’s developmental funds continues to be misused.

Yaunarau Neta
Goroka