Hela political rivals unite over LNG matters

 Hela political rivals Anderson Agiru and Francis Potape yesterday put aside their differences during the State and landowner issues meeting to discuss matters relating to the PNG LNG project.

The two had been involved in a much-publicised slanging match since Dec 29, when the Hela provincial assembly purportedly ousted Agiru as governor with Potape in his place.

The National Court last month granted interim orders that Agiru remain as Hela Governor until the matter went to court next month.

Yesterday at the meeting, Agiru and Potape sat next to each other and even talked to each other as everyone watched.

Petroleum and Energy Minister Ben Micah said the meeting recognised Agiru as Hela Governor until the court made a decision.

After that, both men, who are articulate on matters concerning the PNG LNG project, went into discussing the serious issues of the day.

In a State and landowner meeting last week in Port Moresby, the governors of the five provinces, who hosts the PNG LNG project, have agreed to work together to pursue their people’s interest and to maximise service delivery.