Morobe branded ‘leaderless’

By PISAI GUMAR
MOROBE province has been described as ‘leaderless’ after the upsurge of lawlessness in Lae city resulted in it being declared a fighting zone, imposition of a liquor ban and the death of five people, a group says.
It said Morobe Governor Luther Wenge and provincial administrator Kemas  Tomala were no where to be seen because of a ‘difference’.
Inside sources said the issue was created after the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption squad arrested provincial cabinet secretary Galang Awagasi and Wenge’s chief of staff, Gope Dakis last month.
Only two deputy administrators, Geoving Belong (corporate services) and Patilias Gamato (district services) are seen in the office.
It is alleged that Tomala was ‘threatened’ to vacate his office but a senior public servant who did not want to be named said Tomala was on nine weeks leave.
Wenge appeared on Monday at the Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium to launch the Huon Gulf district tournament and on Tuesday at Lae International Hotel to hold a press conference.
Morobe Welfare Group spokespersons Khay Takisieng and Mitio Ribon said in a statement the leaders had left the office vacant at a time when the provincial government was expected to pass the 2012 development budget.
“Not being in office without solving their differences could lead to Morobe losing from receiving the K310 million from the national budget,” Takisieng said.
“The expected provincial executive meeting, of which Wenge is the executive chairman, is not being held.
“That causes a lot of uneasiness in the administration staff left leaderless and headless without guidance, direction and coordination.”