Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander Joseph Morehari has blamed political interference for his suspension from the provinces top cop chair.
PPC Morehari said this when briefing his various section heads on Tuesday February 7, at the Alotau Police Station Community Policing Hall.
In a brief but sombre hand over ceremony where he handed over the reins to Milne Bay Provincial Police Station Commander Inspector George Bayagau.
He told his policemen and women and his successor that he believed his suspension was politically motivated over his handling of the arrest and confiscation of a vessel owned by Samarai-Murua MP Gordon Wesley last year.
“My view is that all of this is all politically motivated,” he said.
He added that in the meantime while he was on transfer after he received unclear instructions from Police Head Quarters on his suspension.
He raised a few eyebrows at the briefing when he also briefed his successor A/PPC George Bayagau to have Gordon Wesley arrested.
“There is a lot of evidence surrounding Gordon Wesley so I’m getting the A/PPC Bayagau to follow through and have Gordon Wesley arrested,” he said.
He added I demand he report to Alotau Police Station for an interview.
“I will draft a letter to him to report to Alotau Police Station, however if he doesn’t show himself I will have a Court Order for his arrest,” he added.
He also added that it is a sad day for the law because the rule of law had been thrown out of the window which sends the wrong signals.
“I think this is wrong because the rule of law must take precedence.
A defiant Morehari added that he would stand down and wait for further instructions from Police Headquarters.
“I will stand down as ordered however I will be at work on the sideline,” he concluded.
He urged his section heads to give all the support to his successor during his suspension.
Picture: Suspended Milne Bay PPC Joseph Morehari and his successor Inspector George Bayagau.