Marape urged to sideline Manning

By GEORGINA KOREI
OPPOSITION Leader Douglas Tomuriesa is calling on Prime Minister James Marape to sideline Police Commissioner David Manning so he can answer to a complaint against him.
Tomuriesa made the call yesterday following the arrest of detective, Senior Sergeant Tinol Pakiapon, who had investigated rape allegations against Manning.
“Manning as the head of the police hierarchy should step down immediately and face justice in court for the allegations laid against him,” he said.
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird added that whether Manning wanted it or not, he had to step down for his own reputation, his family’s and the constabulary he leads.
“To be consistent with the suspension of the Defence Force Commander Major-General Mark Goina who was suspended (over a soldier-shooting incident), Manning has to be side-lined too by Marape to face a court of law,” he said.
Bird claims that the victim in the rape allegations against Manning had been in hiding as Manning had allegedly been sending police officers to look for her.
“The actions by Manning are completely unlawful and he should step down and allow investigations and justice to take place in a court of law, “he said.
Deputy Opposition Leader and Chuave MP James Nomane said Pakiapon was a career officer in the police force and his arrest was of serious concern.
“Manning should step down as his actions to order police to arrest Tinol is perverting the course of justice which is another crime,” he said.
“Prime Minister James Marape has to take heed of this issue and address it by releasing Tinol from the cell,” he said.