PM given time to sort statement

THE Commission of Inquiry (COI) looking into the sale and purchase of Motukea wharf in Port Moresby has heard that Prime Minister James Marape needs more time to prepare his statement.
Marape’s lawyer Jack Kiluwe, made this known during the hearing at Apec House in Port Moresby yesterday.
“Since the last hearing, we are yet to confirm the availability of the prime minister,” he said.
“However, the prime minister said, as much as he would like to see the commission complete its inquiry, it is a matter of national interest and the public need to know the legality of the transactions behind the sale and purchase of the Motukea wharf.”
Kiluwe said Marape was happy to help the COI with relevant statements and documents in relation to the questions in the summons.
However, Kiluwe said Marape needed more time to complete his statement.
Kiluwe asked that Marape be given until the next hearing to complete his statement.
Counsel assisting the CoI Maleva Kipa agreed with Kiluwe for more time to be given to Marape to complete his statement.
COI chairman and commissioner Sike Julian Taulik in response said: “I believe the prime minister has some important things to do for the country. Given that he (Marape) needs more time to complete his statement, it is reasonable.”
Taulik extended Marape’s summons to Sept 22.
He urged the other persons who have been summoned to comply with the summons issued by the COI.
Thirty-seven people have been summoned to help the inquiry with information.
Marape was one of the 37 persons summoned.
The other persons that the COI had issued summons included Ialibu-Pangi MP Peter O’Neill, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, former Angoram MP Arthur Somare, former National Planning and Monitoring Department secretary Hakaua Harry, and former Lands secretary Romily Kila-Pat.
The COI was adjourned to Sept 22.