By CHRISTOPHER YANDAWAI
EAST Sepik Provincial Governor and Opposition’s Alternative Prime Minister, Hon. Governor Bird told PNG Bulletin that there’s no need for him to provide evidence about his threats.
He made the statement when PNG Bulletin reached out to him to confirm whether he was going to provide any evidence of his threats as per Prime Minister James Marape’s call.
In a statement yesterday, Prime Minister James Marape called for evidence on allegations by Governor Bird against his government.
He urged the Governor to provide proofs that there have been death threats on his life, his phones have been tapped, State institutions have been instructed to find anything illegal on him, and all State apparatus have been put on full alert to hunt him down.
PM Marape said if the Governor is telling the truth, then he needs to provide proofs or evidences of all his allegations by naming those responsible individuals and State Institutions.
However, Governor Bird told PNG Bulletin saying: “No need, I am keeping it (evidences).”
PM Marape said this is the first time he has witnessed an Opposition nominee for the prime minister’s post making serious allegations of his life being threatened.
“My government, in 2020, went through more stronger challenges but those in Opposition never made serious allegations of having their lives threatened like Bird is doing now.
“You do not get public sympathy and support from the public by uttering lies and slander.
“As head of this Government, we do not take lightly leaders like Bird, who make false accusations to get public sympathy and support.”
PM Marape said Bird, by the day, continues to make unfounded allegations against the Government.
“This is not a game, but an attack on integrity of the functionality of the Executive arm of Government,” he said.
“We are not a dictatorship but a nation of rules and order.
“This Pangu Pati-led Government has set up the Independent Commission Against Corruption, and has passed the Whistle Blowers Act, so Bird has all these avenues to formally lodge his complaints,” PM Marape said.
Governor Bird in his earlier response to queries from PNG Bulletin, said his life being threatened is not unusual.
“My life being threatened is not unusual because we live in a society where no one’s safety can be guaranteed by the State.
“People are being killed every day in PNG, we just need to be aware and take precautions all the time,” he said.
“I have taken measures to protect myself so I do not think anyone should worry about me, I am fully capable of protecting myself.
“What warries me is the weaponising of State Institutions against specific individuals.
“All citizens must have their rights respected whether they are Members of Parliament or private citizens,” Governor Bird said.
PNG Bulletin reached out to respective senior police officers’ offices for their comments on the issue were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Governor Bird claimed his official sponsored facebook page got shut down already.
He said only his personal account (facebook) is still operating.
