NIP officials charged, suspended

 By ABIGAIL APINA

FIVE senior public servants in the New Ireland government have been charged and suspended from office.

According to the provincial administrator’s office, their suspension was a result of internal audits and investigations conducted recently in the province.

The office declined to release their names and added that investigations were ongoing within the education division, sports council and community development with charges expected to be laid soon. 

Governor Sir Julius Chan had stated his government’s determination to weed out all forms of corruption, insubordination, abuse of office and misappropriation within the public service.

Sir Julius had directed investigations to be undertaken following allegations of abuse by public servants. 

He also directed that all public servants mentioned in the auditor-generals’ report for not acquitting funds be immediately charged under the Public Finance Management Act. 

“My government will not tolerate rot and misappropriation of public monies, anyone found guilty will be dealt with severely, and the public must regain confidence and trust in both the public service and political officers,” he said.

The governor added that the newly-realigned administration must be a high performing innovative organisation dedicated to the delivery of quality services to satisfy the people.

“Six months ago, I called on all public officers to rekindle, indeed restore trust in the administration and government. 

“Words must be put into action and that the time is now,” Sir Julius said.