Governor calls on media to report accurately

EAST Sepik Governor Allan Bird has called on the media to be accurate and not opt for sensationalism.
Responding to reports of MPs being given Apec vehicles in the Post Courier, Bird said they were informed by Finance Minister Charles Abel that provinces would receive buses and districts the smaller vehicles to conduct business.
“It is sad that mainstream media had to sensationalise the donation of used Apec vehicles to the provinces.
“To set the record straight, we were informed by finance minister that provinces will get buses and districts will get small vehicles to conduct government business,” Bird said.
“There was never any suggestion that the vehicles will be used privately by MPs. This excludes the Bentleys and the Maseratis.
“This does not detract from the desire of many of us who want to see a full account of what happened to funds used for Apec. This is a normal expectation of all funds expended in the name of public good.”
Bird said East Sepik would be getting two buses, one for the Boram Hospital and other for the administration which was likely to be given to one of the higher education institutions.
“I have also requested for a fire truck and an ambulance if possible.
“ESP police have already taken delivery of some police motor bikes used during Apec and I am told we might receive some boats for Water Police operations.
“My views are that the Maserati vehicles were a waste of money.
“But for the other vehicles which have already been purchased, let’s put them back into serving the public.
“We have two choices, let the vehicles rust on the wharf or put them to public use.”
Bird said it was wrong for mainstream media to say that MPs were getting vehicles for private use.