Minister slams social media over Lupari’s job

By JEFFREY ELAPA and LUKE KAMA
PUBLIC Service Minister Westly Nukundj has rubbished social media postings that Isaac Lupari has been replaced as Chief Secretary by Ivan Pomaleu.
Lupari was appointed Chief Secretary in 2016 by the Peter O’Neill-led government to replace the late Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc, who had to retire for medical reasons.
Nukundj said the National Executive Council had not discussed anything on top public service positions.
Social media postings claimed that former Investment Promotion Authority managing director Pomaleu was going to replace Lupari.
Pomaleu is currently the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation ambassador.
Nukundj described Pomaleu as an influential figure in the policy division of the Apec Secretariat.
He also warned people to be responsible and to stop using social media to spread false news. Lupari also told The National yesterday that he was still the Chief Secretary.
“I am still in office (as the Chief Secretary). People with vested motives are using social media to promote their own agendas,” he said.
Lupari said decisions concerning the appointments of public servants had processes and procedures to follow.
“There is a process to make such decisions (appointment of Chief Secretary),” he said
He also revealed that the position would be “on the market” next year.
He had been Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office since 2012.
Lupari, 54, from Wabag in Enga, has been Chief Secretary since 2007.
He joined the civil service in 1987.
He previously served as secretary to the departments of Finance, Defence and Personnel Management.
He was also Ambassador to the European Union in Brussels.