Numu’s move to Opposition personal, says Abel

By JEFFREY ELAPA
DEPUTY Prime Minister Charles Abel says the defection of Eastern Highlands Governor Peter Numu to the Opposition is “personal” and “his reason lacks credibility as a leader”.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has also referred to Numu as a “political yoyo” who will continue to change camps.
Abel said: “It is pretty clear that the Eastern Highlands Governor’s move is all about personal politics. We say good luck to him. As I said in Parliament, his reason for leaving lacks credibility. Our Government is working with all provincial governments in bringing visible developments to all parts of the country.
“The Eastern Highlands has benefited tremendously from investment by our Government. Last week the Prime Minister opened the K180 million Eastern Highlands Provincial Hospital Diagnostic and Surgical Centre, the K3 billion upgrading of the Highlands Highway which passes through Eastern Highlands, and the new Goroka Market.
“We have already opened the new Goroka Airport, a new student
accommodation and many more projects.
“It is disappointing that the governor despite all the support from the Government to Eastern Highlands, has chosen one item – derivation grants – to stage a political stunt with the Opposition.”