Two former prime ministers, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Sir Mekere Morauta, have again called on Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to step down.
In a statement the leaders said Papua New Guinea is at a turning point.
They said the country can choose to start afresh with new leadership, new vision and new hope for the future or continue down an uncertain, slippery road, led by a person who is increasingly behaving like a dictator, with total disregard for the law.
They have made their choice and called on fellow Papua New Guineans to join them in rescuing the country.
“We cannot, through inaction, see our democracy and the institutions that support democracy ruined. The nation’s future is at stake.
“Today we are declaring that the Prime Minister must stand down, for the good of all Papua New Guineans,” the two former PMs stated.
They claimed that O’Neill has brought the nation to its knees – socially, economically and politically – and he cannot be allowed to do more damage.
“His countless lies to trick the public that our country is sailing along smoothly are a deceitful display of moral corruption. The fact is we are trapped, and sinking.”