Ousted treasurer locked out

National, Normal
Source:

The National,Thursday19 January 2012

By ZACHERY PER
LOCKS to Chimbu provincial treasurer’s office have been changed after the suspension of Martha Anton this week.
The action was taken after Anton thrice defied instructions to vacate the office last year.
Acting Finance Secretary Steven Gibson suspended her for refusing to recognise the O’Neill-led government and for continuing to take instructions from and reporting to former finance secretary Gabriel Yer.
In a notice dated Jan 12, Gibson instructed police to serve the notice of suspension on Anton.
A senior officer in the Chimbu provincial treasury office said the suspension notice was served on Anton by the Department of Finance on Monday.
The officer who asked not to be identified said Gibson had immediately appointed Sandy Wamil as provincial treasurer.
He said Wamil was a very senior officer in the office, having worked in the administration for 20 years.
 “However, Anton refused to accept the suspension notice and allow the new acting treasurer to assume office.
“As a result, staff of the provincial treasury office, under the careful watch of policemen, have changed the deadlocks and engaged new security to man the office day and night,” the officer said.
He said there were a number of serious allegations levelled against Anton.
The officer called on the Chimbu provincial administration, provincial legal officer and Governor Fr John Garia not to interfere in the suspensions and investigations.