Kapavore goes to bat for Pokanis

PUBLIC Service Minister Elias Kapavore has appealed Correctional Services staff to support the appointment of Steven Pokanis as acting commissioner.
Pokanis, the deputy commissioner, was appointed acting commissioner on Tuesday to replace Michael Waipo whose four-year term had expired on Monday.
His acting appointment is for three months pending a substantiative appointment.
“I seek the cooperation of all ranks and file officers to give their support (to Pokanis) for the best interest of the State and our nation’s security,” Kapavore said.
Correctional Services Minister Roy Biyama said on Tuesday the appointment of Pokanis superseded a Cabinet decision in 2016
which had appointed Chief Superintendent Bernard Nepo to the position.
That appointment followed a recommendation by a committee that Waipo be replaced.
But the Cabinet decision was stayed by a court which ordered that Waipo be allowed to complete his term.
Meanwhile, Nepo maintained yesterday his 2016 appointment had never been revoked by Cabinet.
“I’ve never been told or given a revocation notice,” he said.
“If it was given, then I would respect the decision of the appointing authorities as I have no differences with anyone, even Mr Waipo or Mr Pokanis.
“I took up office (on Tuesday) after Waipo’s term had expired. There is nothing wrong.”
Nepo had turned up at the CS headquarters on Tuesday to take over as acting commissioner, before the announcement by Biyama of Pokanis’ appointment.