PM directs Kapavore to reinsate Andrias

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has directed Public Service Minister Elias Kapavore to revoke the appointment of Andrew Liliura as acting Secretary for Commerce and Industry and reinstate former secretary John Andrias.
Andrias’ appointment as acting secretary was to have taken effect on Dec 13.
Department of Personel Management Secretary John Kali confirmed that O’Neill had directed Kapavore to revoke the appointment of Lilura following a series of allegations against him.
Kali said both O’Neil and Kapavore had received reports of the allegations of misuse of department funds.
He said the Minister for Commence and Industry, Wera Mori, was overseas at that time.
“When that happens, the portfolio becomes the responsibility of the prime minister.
“As the prime minister he takes over the portfolio and he had directed Kapavore to reinstate Andrias
and revoke the appointment of Liliura.”
Kali said both O’Neil and Kapavore had received the reports of the allegations and based on those allegations the prime minister directed Kapavore to take the necessary action.
Kapavore had also written to Minister Mori informing him of the decision.
This follows recent allegations of fraud and mismanagement of funds within the department under the leadership of Liliura and Mori.
The Government gazette date of Dec 21, 2017, confirms the appointment of John Andrias.
Documents relating to fraud and mismanagement have been forwarded to the National Fraud Squad which is investigating.
Liliura’s term also expired on Dec12.
Kapavore said Andrias would be acting secretary while a short list of candidates was finalised.