Kapavore tells Numu: Keep Akunai on the job

By MALUM NALU in Goroka
PUBLIC Service Minister Elias Kapavore has advised Eastern Highlands Governor Peter Numu to let Samson Akunai continue as acting provincial administrator.
Numu recently suggested that EHP public servant Wesley Albert replace Akunai.
Kapavore, in a letter to Numu dated May 18, reminded him that any move to replace Akunai could be “highly contemptuous” given the Supreme Court order that Akunai continued in that position.
“My department has researched into your proposed nominee and have discovered that Mr Albert is a grade 14 officer only.
“And at this level, he would not possess the pre-requisite necessary for this very important and demanding position,” Kapavore said.
“After considering everything, and taking into account past experiences in the provincial administration and province, I would like to advise that the process on the substantive appointment has been completed and the matter is now with the National Executive Council to make a final decision on the permanent appointment.
“In addition, there is a permanent court order in place which relates to the appointment of Mr Akunai wherein the Supreme Court, through a three-man bench, made specific orders which are still in force.
“The orders support and further enforce the orders of Justice Polume (OS 762 of 2015) which relates to the continuation of Mr Samson Akunai as the acting provincial administrator.
“Any action contrary to these orders is highly contemptuous.”
The letter was copied to acting Secretary of Personnel Management Taies Sansan, Akunai, Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari and Provincial Affairs Secretary Dickson Guina.