MP wants Kavo to step aside

 By MALUM NALU

KEREMA MP Richard Mendani says Gulf Governor Havila Kavo should stop representing the province at meetings with international investors while his appeal against a criminal conviction is pending in court.

He said Kavo was a convicted prisoner out on bail. 

Kavo was jailed for three years last December for misappropriating K131,338 belonging to the people of Kikori in Gulf. 

Kavo is appealing against the conviction in the Supreme Court, which granted him bail.

Mendani claims that eight Gulf local level government presidents are against what Kavo is doing while out on bail.

“The joint venture partners of the Elk and Antelope LNG projects have expressed concern about working with a leader who had a cloud hanging over his head,” Mendani said.

“I think the message is clear. We, as a country, are part of the global community and need to appreciate some of the things that they are pushing for, such as transparency and accountability.

“I’m worried that the joint venture partners might shelve the project.”

The provincial assembly has petitioned Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to end the political impasse in the province. Kavo is a member of O’Neill’s ruling People’s National Congress Party.

The provincial assembly members are local level government presidents Dominic Tekero (Kaintiba), Morris Taudevin (East Kikori), Jack Narrie (Kerema), Charles Maiu (Ihu), Philip Sivi (Taure-Lakekamu), Wilson Baidu (West Kikori), James Morova (Kotidanga) and Kaivila Omae (Baimuru).

They are expected to meet on July 14 to elect a new Governor, according to acting Governor Jimmy Pokara.