Potape switches to govt

 By MALUM NALU

KOMO-Margarima MP Francis Potape, whose electorate is in the heart of the PNG LNG project, yesterday announced his defection from the opposition benches to government.

The shadow minister for petroleum and energy told reporters in parliament, flanked by several of his landowner leaders and Works Minister Francis Awesa, that painful it might be, he had to leave the opposition in the best interests of his people.

He said he was yet to join a political party after leaving Belden Namah’s PNG Party.

“Today, I have made a decision to join the government,” Potape said.

He had played a pivotal role in the signing of the licensed-based benefits sharing agreement (LBBSA) and umbrella benefits sharing agreement (UBSA),

“The LNG project is at stake. I have sat down with opposition leader Belden Namah and told him that the issues on the ground have nothing to do with opposition or government. But the time has come to move,” Potape said.

“I am moving because of pressure from my people. 

“As you can see, all the leaders are here.

“I want to say that I am joining the government at a time when PNG’s biggest resource project, PNG LNG project, is falling into a dark minefield.

“No amount of ministerial or corporate statements will change what’s happening on the ground.

“No company representative can say what is happening on the ground is right

“I invite all responsible leaders to come to Komo or Hides and see what’s happening on the ground to justify whether what we say in Port Moresby is right or wrong.

“The 30-day notice given by governor for Hela province, Anderson Agiru, to shut down the PNG LNG project is only a mere reflection of what’s likely to become an enormous chaotic situation on the ground.

“All is not well in Hela.”

Potape said given this scenario, he had to join government because “in PNG politics, if you are speaking from the opposition, people don’t listen”.

“That is why my people told me that I have to join government and work with the prime minister,” he said.

“In my view, the government is not providing leadership to this project of national importance.

“Leadership is not about money.

‘‘It’s not about how much money to Hela or Southern Highlands province. 

“It’s about ministers going to the project area and seeing how the landowners are doing, how the developer is doing, government’s presence.

“All these things are not there.”