NIPA Kutubu MP Dr Billy Joseph has called on the Commissioner of Police, David Manning to immediately conduct an investigation into the planned destruction of the Nipa Kutubu ballot boxes in the container right inside the Provincial Police Headquarters fence in Mendi.
Dr Billy said the recent verdict in the Southern Highlands Provincial seat election petition case, involving Governor William Powi and Peter Nupiri, has far-reaching implications for numerous election petitions, including the Nipa Kutubu election petition.
He said the court’s decision carries the full force of the law, and this fact is evident to lawyers, and the two leaders involved.
“The planned destruction of the Nipa Kutubu ballot boxes in the container right before the Provincial Police Headquarters in Mendi, was not just a mere act of recklessness; it was a calculated and malicious deed,” Dr Billy explained.
“These ballot papers are the property of the State. Individuals responsible for this shocking act should be unequivocally labeled as radical extremists, this trend of political cat and mouse attack is a threat to National Security. It is imperative that persons behind this are swiftly apprehended and made an example of.”
He said Southern Highlands has a history marred by violence and political strife.
“It has cost us precious lives and untold suffering. People are slowly trying to get back to their normal lives, business and formal government services are slowing picking up confidence post-Election 2022”. he added.
“It has taken a lot from individual champions of peace who have dug into their pockets and spent time working at restoring normalcy.
“Yesterday, SHP Governor Powi extended an olive branch to all candidates who contested the Provincial Seat in the 2022 National Elections.
“This gesture was meant to foster unity and collaboration for the greater good of our province. Leaders from various corners of Southern Highlands have passionately called on the Provincial Administration to return to Mendi and recommence their operations.”
Dr Billy called on the Southern Highlands leaders to petition the Police Commissioner David Manning, the Provincial Police Commander, and the Southern Highlands Provincial Administration to swiftly allocate their resources to unearth the identities of those responsible and expose any hidden sponsors behind them.
“This kind of illegal behavior happening right inside the police HQ in Mendi is a slap in the face of the good hard working police officers in SHP and the country. Any police officer(s) who was involved with this incident must be investigated and severely punished,” he said.
“Justice must prevail, and the law must come down hard on these individuals. As Leaders in our time, we must maintain our steadfast commitment to peace, stability, and progress in Southern Highlands.”
Addressing those involved in the malicious act, he stated: “To those who planned and executed this evil act, you must understand that leadership comes with responsibilities and is a calling from God. If your heart is not aligned with God’s calling, you will fail, and the failure will be painful.
“In my first year in office; I dedicated almost every day to serving our community.
It’s very sad when we have people whose only interest is to play politics. Let it be known that my team is strong and ready to take on all the challenges hurled on us by any forces; both foreign and domestic. We are focused and confident to deliver for the people of Nipa Kutubu,” he concluded.
