By ORCHY REX
Chairman of the Motu Koita Assembly (MKA) Russell Wavik was officially sworn in on Monday as the Deputy Governor of the National Capital District Commission in a ceremony officiated by senior magistrate Garry Unjo.
Mr Wavik took his oath of office in the presence of NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Moresby North East MP John Kaupa, and Moresby North West MP Lohia Boe Samuel.
Governor Parkop welcomed Wavik to the NCDC board, acknowledging the significance of the position.
“On behalf of the NCD, I want to welcome the Chairman of our Motu Koita Assembly and now, officially, Deputy Governor Honorable Russell Simon Wavik to our board.”
Mr Parkop said that while the MKA and NCDC were two distinct entities, their roles were interconnected by law.
“As we all know, in the scheme of things, according to Parliament, we are two separate organizations. Unlike the past, where we used to be one organization, NCD and Motu Koita Council. But in 2008, Parliament so decided that Motu Koita Council will become an Assembly, meaning that it is an autonomous government.”
He added that the dual role ensured that both governments remain aligned.
“Parliament too, in its mission, has made sure that we are trained together. That the Chairman of Motu Koita Assembly is also the Deputy Governor, and therefore also the Deputy Chairman, and sits on our board.