Madang Governor

Madang Governor apologises to media personnel

This follows reports that media personnel were assaulted whilst trying to gather information during the eruption on the weekend.

A frustrated Madang Governor Peter Yama said media personnel were always on the frontline to get information and alert relevant authorities on situations, therefore they must be respected at all times.

He added that the incident involved a minority group from Baluai village and those involved will be dealt with accordingly.

“On behalf of my people of Madang, I am very sorry for what happened to the media personnel on Sunday.

Nali, Wereh visit Madang

Secretary Wereh said Madang is such a huge land area with a huge potential for growth and investment, and roads play a crucial role in connecting people and providing access to markets and basic services.

Secretary Wereh outlined that they had very fruitful discussions on the quick commencement and completion of the Banab Bridge and Bogia bridges which will start immediately by a local contractor to restore normal access.

Yama discourages removal of settlers

He said not all settlers are involved in creating law and order problems in the province.

Yama made the statement following the decapitation of a teacher from Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province, on April 3, which caused a series of confrontations, including protests against squatters and opportunists.

The Madang Governor is against making rushed decisions that will affect the province in the future.

Don’t deviate from the issue: Yama

Yama raise this point after Parkop made comments about Madang province being thrown to the ‘dogs’.

In a heated explanation from NCD Governor Powes Parkop explaining the tender process and awarding of the contract, he went ahead and mentioned that the once beautiful Madang Province is no longer safe for people to visit.

He said Madang MP, Bryan Kramer, must have interest in solving law and order issues in Madang and not in NCD.

However, his comments triggered Governor Yama to seek a point of order telling Parkop to not deviate from the real issue.

Court reinstates Yama

A unanimous decision was handed down by Justice Allan David, Justice Derrek Hartshorn and Justice Ere Kariko after lunch today.

The full court stayed the National Court’s order for recount that was made on March 1.

The Judicial recount is now stayed, pending the Supreme Court’s review.

Yama has been reinstated as Governor, also pending that Supreme Court review of March 1 by the National Court, which set aside his election when it upheld Jerry Singirok’s petition.

Madang regional petitions to run separately

The one filed by retired Defense Force commander, Major-General Jerry Singirok, will be heard by Justice Terrence Higgins from February 8-9.

The second petition, filed by James Yali, will go before the same judge from February 12 and will run for five days.

Justice Collin Makail finalised the trial dates for the second petition today after he refused two preliminary applications by Governor Peter Yama.

Yama asks court to refer questions

They filed a motion before the Court of Disputed Returns in the petition that was filed by retired Defense Force commander, Major-General Jerry Singirok, in the 2017 election over the Madang Regional seat.

They asked the National Court to refer questions for determination surrounding the qualification of election runner-up, James Yali, to nominate and stand for election.  

The court told them to draft the proposed questions and have them filed in court this week before the matter returns tomorrow (Friday).

Governor responds to officer’s arrest

Yama made this statement after the arrest of deputy Electoral Commissioner Administration Simon Sinai on Monday by the fraud squad in Port Moresby.  

Yama said political offices are public offices where transparency and honesty should be maintained at all times.

He said the arrest of Sinai was just one out many that are yet to come, and thanks the fraud squad for a job well done.

“Electoral officials must not change what the people have decided on the ballot papers.

“Their duty was to be transparent and honest in anything they do.”

Yama calls for implementation of COI

Governor Yama emphasised this in a recent press conference in Port Moresby.

The Madang Governor said the Government has spent a lot of money on inquiries but nothing has been forthcoming in terms of the implementation of recommendations.

He said high profile judges, both in PNG and overseas, were involved in carrying out these inquiries but no one has been reprimanded yet.

Governor Yama further said the Government must attend to previous inquiries first and start arresting those implicated, rather than arresting simple people stealing a can of tinned fish.

Yama questions Govt on previous inquiries

He said many commission of inquiries have been set up and recommendations given but they have yet to be implemented.

Yama added that a lot of money had also been spent and still nothing has come forth.

"When will we see some people go to jail or face charges as a result of recommendations from the inquiries?

"Many of the people implicated in the inquiries have stolen millions of kina from the people of PNG and yet have not been arrested."

"Every time we ask for a Commission of inquiry yet no results are being implemented".