O’Neill: I have no issues

FORMER prime minister Peter O’Neill says he has no issue with any Hela leader.
He told a gathering that in Tari on Friday while supporting his People’s National Congress candidates during a rally.
O’Neill was well received by Hela people as indicated by Prime Minister James Marape.
In a statement yesterday, Marape commended the people of Tari-Pori and Hela for their behaviour during the People’s National Congress (PNC) rally.
He said the peace and calm displayed by the people of Tari-Pori and Hela, despite O’Neill being his strongest opponent during the elections, should be a good example for the rest of Papua New Guinea.
Marape, who was in Eastern Highlands on Friday campaigning for his Pangu Pati candidates, said there was no need for violence during the elections.
“I want to commend the people of Hela for their behaviour during the visit of PNC leader and former prime minister Peter O’Neill on Friday,” he said.
“Their good citizenship has shone despite so much negativity about the province, and is a shining light for the rest of Papua New Guinea.
“The people of Hela have obviously listened to our appeals for peace during the elections, and while there have been election-related violence in other provinces, there have been none to date in the province. “I thank the people of Hela for allowing O’Neill in to do his campaigning in the true spirit of democracy.
“This is the type of mind-set and attitude I want to see spread right around the country, especially in this election period, when we do not want to see violence.
“People should be allowed to listen freely to all candidates, and from there, make up their minds and vote for the candidate of their choice.”

PNGDF team arrive in WNB for election ops

A PNG Defence Force platoon is now in Kimbe, West New Britain to help police conduct the General Election 2022 (GE22).
The 36-man team led by Lt Pondros Kichawen were engaged under a 60-day role of the security personnel for the election.
Acting provincial administrator Leo Mapmani in welcoming the team, said the administration would provide whatever support necessary to help with their engagement in the province.
Police manpower strength in the province has been stretched to the limit with escalating law and order issues.
A Mobile Squad 18 from Tomaringa had been in the province helping the local police deal with the law and order issues and were now engaged in GE22 while Mobile Squad 19 was being deployed to Kokopo.
Provincial Police Commander Chief Insp John Iara said he was happy that the PNGDF team had arrived to help them.
Iara said they had recruited 100 reservists to work with the regular police personnel.

Potape holds Bible, promises to serve only

FORMER acting Hela governor and Komo-Margarima MP Francis Potape held a Bible in the presence of thousands of people in Hela’s Tari and said that he is contesting in General Election 2022 (GE22) to provide service to the people.
“I have no interest in Pangu Pati nor the People’s National Congress (PNC) party in forming the Government,” he added.
Potape who was endorsed by PNC party leader Peter O’Neill on Friday said he was not interested in making Prime Minister James Marape become PM again nor O’Neill to become the next PM but was concerned about his people.
He said he was happy to have the blessings of the party and his main focus was to look into the people’s needs, especially to address the law and order situation and improve infrastructure in the province.
“I am holding the Bible for you (people) to witness that I have no interest in political parties, I want to serve the interest of the people who have suffered much.
“Political parties will not come and develop our districts and provinces, but elected leaders will do and it is time the people must elect good leaders.
“Stop the unnecessary squabbles and attacking each other supporting Pangu Pati and PNC parties. People should now make good judgments and elect good leaders,” he said.
Potape was among incumbent Koroba-Kopiago MP Petrus Thomas, Tari-Pori candidate Bul Miape, new electorates Komo-Hulia candidates Phill Pajako and Margarima Felix Nol who were fielded by PNC.
“The province received about K2.4 billion in the last five years, there are now tangible development in the province.
“The Tari-Pori district police station remains the same after the separation from Southern Highlands, it is now the provincial capital and it remains the same. There is no proper market facility and other public facilities.
“The province cannot be led by MPs with poor leadership qualities, people should now think of the future and vote for good leaders,” he said.