Five MPs leave PNC

By REBECCA KUKU
FIVE MPs have resigned from the ruling People’s National Congress party, although two are doing so as agreed earlier with party leader Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
Esa’ala MP Davis Steven, who recently resigned as Attorney-General and Justice Minister, and Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, are rejoining the People’s Party which the latter founded and led until May 2017 when he joined PNC.
“Our resignation was a mutual understanding between PNC and the PP,” Sir Peter said.
“At the time of the (2017) general election, we came to an understanding that we would contest under the PNC (banner) but would return to our original party after the election. So me and Davis are now resigning from PNC and will align with the PP.”
The other three MPs are Southern Highlands Governor William Powi, Hela Governor Philip Undialu and Komo-Margarima MP Manasseh Makiba.
Undialu told The National that he resigned because he had lost trust and confidence in O’Neill.
“The people are tired and have openly expressed concern for the many decisions by the Government that are so detrimental to this country,” he said.
“As leaders, for too long we have ignored their cries. Now is the time to listen to them. Enough is enough.
“This country is bigger than one person and a minority group. A lot of issues are at stake and we cannot ignore them anymore.”
Powi said it was time for a change.
“Governments will come and go but legacies will remain,” he said. “The policies we make today will affect future generations and the way services will be delivered to the people.”
Powi disagreed with policies made and the way services were distributed.
Makiba said he was unhappy with the recent signing of the Papua LNG, saying it was worse than the PNG LNG.