MP raises concerns about NBC

SERIOUS allegations of abuse of power and office by the board and management of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) were raised in Parliament on Tuesday.
Member for South Bougainville Timothy Masiu said during question time in Parliament that a report against NBC’s board and management had been circulated and presented to him.
He wanted to know if the Minster for Communication and Energy Rainbo Paita was aware of the allegation.
Masiu said the content of the report was not just allegations of misuse, misconduct and misappropriation but contained serious instances of abuse of power and office.
He said the report stated that the term of the board including its chairman Timothy Tala expired on March 14, but he was re-appointed alone and had access to the privileges of the position including a 24-hour vehicle.
Masiu claimed Tala’s term had indeed expired and was not entitled to a vehicle or access to office facilities.
He said a large portion of land between 5-Mile and 6-Mile was undervalued and sold to a foreign company but the sale was halted when the Prime Minister’s office intervened two month ago.
Paita responded that he was aware of the allegations. He admitted that the board and the chairman’s term expired and a submission would be made to Cabinet.
However, Paita said as instructed by Prime Minister James Marape, all positions for all state owned enterprises (SOE) such as NBC as well as Telikom, EMTV and FM100 under Kumul Telikom Holdings would be advertised and competent professionals appointed to lead the SOEs.
However, NBC did not come under Kumul Telikom Holdings.
Paita confirmed that the sale of the land had been frozen. He said no one could appoint themselves to any position.
Tala when contacted, said his term and that of his deputy chairman would expire in 2020. He maintained that under his leadership, he had not allowed for any NBC land to be sold.