Numu: I am man enough to cross floor

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
Eastern Highlands Governor Peter Numu says that he is a “man” to make the bold step to move to Opposition.
He said this yesterday after Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his deputy Charles Abel labeled his move to the Opposition “childish” and a “political stunt”.
Numu said he moved from the comforts of Government because he believed the current O’Neill-Abel Government did not have the best intentions for his people.
He crossed over to Opposition last week after questioning Treasurer Abel about coffee derivation grants.
“I am mandated by over 700,000 people in my province to make bold decisions on their behalf and for the people of this country,” Numu said.
“I represent more people than O’Neill and Abel combined.
“They each represent less than 60,000 people each in their Ialibu-Pangia (O’Neill) and Alotau (Abel) open electorates, so they must not label my move as ‘childish’ and a ‘political stunt’.
“I am making the move for my people. As the governor, I know that coffee is the future of my people.
“It will create employment opportunities and help them to become financially independent.
“I am not childish to just follow the national Government around while my people are being fed with lies.
“Peter O’Neill and Charles Abel should not be boasting about using public funds to establish projects.
“They should not be boasting about the new Goroka hospital, new Goroka airport, and new Goroka market.
“Those are people’s funds and they have the rights to benefit from these projects funded by public funds.
“Governments will come and go, but the people will still benefit from these public projects. O’Neill and Abel should not be using public funds to control and suppress MPs.”