Gary Juffa

Juffa said John Kunikaz a landowner in Wanigela who has been vocal about the alleged illegal operations by Northern Product Forest Limited was found dead over the weekend, following an alleged assault.

Juffa also called on Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to sideline Forest Minister, Douglas Tomuriesa.

In a media conference, Governor Juffa said the death of the local landowner was highly suspicious given that the deceased had filed a police report stating his life was threatened by what he claims are criminals employed in the illegal operation.

He said a small team of patriots in Customs, Police, Defense, NIO, Migration and also working in Government agencies recognized the danger and worked to strengthen their capacity to fight these criminals.

However, he said almost every entity created and positioned to fight transnational crimes have been dismantled.

Governor Juffa raised a supplementary question asking the Police Minister Jelta Wong to clarify if the police are doing anything to curb such illegal practices.

He said almost all the patriots are displaced or have been removed.

The Governor says that his actions to halt further development to the project is reflective of this.

Moreover Juffa added that the parties that appeared in the joint Press Conference with Forestry Minister Douglas Tomuriesa on Saturday March 24^th in Port Moresby represent the views of a small fraction of landowners.

Governor Juffa in a phone interview rebutted statements made at the Saturday’s press conference.

Governor Juffa said the opening ceremony is long time coming.

While he remains an opposition strong man, he is adamant to work with the government to facilitate development in the province.

He appealed to the National Airport Corporation to align its support with the Oro Provincial Government.

This he says is to ensure further development such as Popondetta’s improvement will complement the modernized Girua Airport.

He said as a customary landowner and the leader of his Province, he has the right to enact tribal law.

The Governor said this during the Political Party Expo on Saturday (Nov 25).

In a fired up speech, Juffa called on Papua New Guineans to protect their land from any form of corruption and greed. And that includes implementing tribal law.

Juffa said he had already written to Police Commissioner Gari Baki to investigate the death of one Winterford Tauno along the Kokoda Track.

He demanded to know if the killing was manslaughter and charges should be brought against the Australian tour operator.

“I have received a number of recent reports that some Australian tour operators have been overloading their porters to keep costs down,” said the governor.

Tauno, who hailed from Buna, died on the second day of a trek organised by an Australian tour company, Getaway Trekking.

He said this following reports from the people of Oro on shortages of drugs in the hospitals and aid posts.

The governor says the funding constraint is virtually a death sentence for the most vulnerable, especially those living in rural areas.

Governor Juffa stated that he is getting constant reports from his people that their aid posts and hospitals were issuing prescriptions for drugs and sending them away; however not all these people can afford the drugs and feel that the free health policy is a let-down.

In a media conference yesterday with the Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel, the Governors said the plan is achievable and can be implemented in a coercive manner.

Bird said Abel’s idea in gauging the views of governors on certain issues in the province is good for the governance of the country.

He said governors have a clear view of what’s happening in the province and can articulate better on issues.

With the 100-Day Economic Stimulus Plan, Bird said although provinces have issues, many of them have never been given consideration.

Juffa told Loop PNG that he respects Masere’s decision to move as he has his own reasons.

However, he hope Masere’s move does not in any way prevent him from working with the provincial government in delivering the services that the people deserve.

He said Masere, along with Sohe MP Henry Amule, have made an agreement to work together regardless of which sides they are attached to.

“He’s still part of the Oro assembly and will continue to be part of the assembly.