Staff not eager for post

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

A PUBLIC servant recently endorsed by the Personnel Management Department as the Eastern Highlands acting provincial administrator is reluctant to accept the post.

Department secretary John Kali told Governor Julie Soso that John Gimiseve should hold the position pending the outcome of the court case against provincial administrator Solomon Tato. Tato is facing a misappropriation charge in court.

But Gimiseve, the deputy provincial administrator, said yesterday he preferred to work under Tato.

Gimiseve, Tato and deputy provincial administrator (programme management and coordination) Ipa’e Maniha held a press conference yesterday to clarify their positions in the matter.

“I am still number two to Solomon Tato,” Gimiseve said. “Since his appointment on Nov 26, 2014, I have given my full pledge to support him 101 per cent. That pledge still stands.”

Gimiseve said he would only take up the office if Tato decided to step down.

“I am excited about the position but due process and procedures must be followed,” Gimiseve said.

“Tato is still the provincial administrator and I respect the system.”

Meanwhile, Tato said he remained the provincial administrator and would only step down when the time was right.

“I have been in office since the day I got appointed by the NEC,” Tato said.

Tato said the provincial administration was intact and it was business as usual for public servants in the province.