Pundari seeks proof over report

 KOMPIAM-Ambum MP John Pundari has promised to drive himself to Bomana Prison if the Post-Courier can prove that he diverted K5 million in rehabilitation funds to his own company.

“They must prove what they published and if they can, I will voluntarily go to Bomana Prison,” he told The National yesterday.

“I challenge them to name the company that supposedly received the funds.”

Pundari, who is also the Minister for Environment and Conservation, said the newspaper’s story last Friday was factually incorrect and malicious.

He said it had tarnished his reputation among the people, the diplomatic community, business leaders and cabinet members.

“I am embarrassed. I have received many calls. My family members have also been affected,” he said.

Pundari said his lawyers handed a letter to the newspaper last Friday demanding a retraction and an apology for publishing “libelous statements”.

The report, under the headline “Kompiam needs help”, alleged that K5 million allocated for the repair of Kunap bridge was diverted to one of his companies.

It also said that he had neglected his electorate for more than 15 years and that he hated the people.

The article followed a visit to Kompiam by Enga Governor Peter Ipatas and attributed some of the claims to two “leaders”.

The lawyers have also written to Ipatas to verify his comments.

Pundari suspects the article to be part of a scheme to smear his name ahead of a Sept 2 hearing into an election petition against him.