OC urges protection of funds
By REBECCA KUKU
THE Ombudsman Commission has urged provincial and district administrators to work closely and co-operate with their respective provincial and district finance managers to implement decisions and ensure that services are delivered in an efficient manner.
This comes shortly after the Ombudsman Commission announced that the commission would now invoke its powers under Section 27(4) of the Constitution to protect public funds during the period of the general election.
Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen said all public funds would not be released unless clearance has been sought from the Ombudsman Commission for the release, disbursement, transfer and/or receipt or payment of such
public monies, cheques or warrants.
“For any claims for funding of approved projects, the provincial or district administration will have to prepare and furnish copies of the project development form to the provincial executive council/district development authority meeting resolutions and decision, the decision of the meeting budget appropriation for the project and the contract,” he said.
“They must also give copies of invoice from the service provider for the payment by the PEC/DDA and provide certified claims by Department of Works for both minor and major contracts progressive payment.”
Pagen said while the main purpose of the direction was to protect public funds, the direction would also protect the integrity of MPs and their respective offices.
Parties in agreement over seats
TWO political parties have announced that they respect what some leaders have been doing in terms of service delivery and will not be fielding candidates to contest against each other in Morobe’s Lae and Bulolo electorates.
United Labour Party (ULP) has announced that it will not field a candidate for the Lae Open seat while Pangu Pati announced that it will not field in a candidate for Bulolo Open.
ULP national president and Lae businessman Sir Bob Sinclair made the announcement, saying ULP respected the prudent leadership of incumbent Lae MP John Rosso.
Sir Bob said Rosso was a strong leader with stringent management.
He said Rosso’s leadership qualities and capabilities were displayed in the physical infrastructural development taking place in Lae, the financial repair and growth within the Lae district administration and the support that the public and business community in Lae had given him since his election as Lae MP.
Rosso, who is also the Lands and Physical Planning Minister, also echoed Pangu Pati’s stance saying that party leader James Marape had assured that Pangu would not endorse or support a candidate for Bulolo Open.
Political parties warned not to involve students
By BRADLEY MARIORI
The Morobe Education division has warned, political parties, campaign organisers and parents to not involve students during the campaign period in the general election.
Morobe education minister and Sialum local level government (LLG) president Bobby Tobby issued the warning saying the academic
year is into its second term and students learning should not be disturbed.
He said students’ right to learning should not be restricted because of the election and students must not be used or must not be allowed to involve in election related activities.
“I’m appealing to all candidates and their supporters to refrain and restrict students’ involvement in the campaign period,” he said.
“Children’s education is important and should not be disturbed.”
Tobby also warned teachers against involving in the general election and urged teachers in Morobe to be in the classroom full-time.
He said teachers have the right as citizens to be involved in the election process but added that they must prioritise their duty as teachers to deliver quality education.
He said school facilities must not be used for election purposes as this will affect students and must not be allowed.
“I am warning schools against using school properties and facilities for election related gatherings,” he said.
Keep politics out, pastors told
ABOUT 400 pastors from the Jabem district of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG (ELCPNG) have been warned against promoting and supporting political parties during the general election.
ELC PNG Jabem district president Rev Yasam Aiwara issued the warning at the 27th Jabem pastors and Evangelists conference in Buang, saying that pastors had the duty to unite the people through the sharing of faith using the doctrines and teachings of ELCPNG.
Aiwara said it was not wrong for the people to support political parties but added that party politics should not hinder the commitment and unity of the congregation.
He said the pastors should be a middle person during the election.
“Pastors should not be seen to be used by intending candidates to gain the favour of Lutheran people or Christians for that matter,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jabem pastors and evangelists posting committee chairperson Pastor Stanly Daimei urged the pastors to accept their postings.
He said most of the time pastors were selective of where they wanted to be posted and came up with excuses and play delay tactics.