Governor Ipatas calls on supporters to stop fighting

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Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, pictured, yesterday called on ousted Kandep MP Don Polye to accept defeat and withdraw his supporters from Wabag after days of death and destruction.
He said this following more killings and destruction of property after the declaration of Alfred Manasseh as Kandep MP-elect last Wednesday.
Polye’s supporters from Kandep have been involved in fighting which has led to deaths and property being destroyed in Wabag.
Before the declaration, two policemen were killed.
“The main thing is that leaders must accept the (electoral) process,” Sir Peter told The National.
“We must all follow the process.
“We put up our hands to be leaders, and one of our primary roles as leaders is to ensure that we maintain good conduct within the laws of this country.
“If you fail to achieve your goal, which is to be declared as winner, obviously you’ve got other avenues to raise your issues.”
Sir Peter said Kandep issues should be resolved there and not brought into Wabag.
“Innocent lives have been lost in Wabag, as well as property belonging to small people,” he said.
“People have lifetime investments in their village and they don’t expect anybody to attack a village.
“This is not because of tribal fight but because of the declaration.”
Sir Peter said it was unfortunate that the provincial administrator and election steering committee chairman, Dr Samson Amean, had his entire Amala village razed.
“My view is that the former MP, Don Polye, should try to solve the problem rather than bring Kandep into Wabag – which is entirely wrong,” he said.
“This is an issue for Kandep people and not an issue to involve Wabag people.”