THE Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) has rejected allegations that its Acting Managing Director, Debra Sungi, or any of its officers locked the Ministerial Office or withheld its keys following the recent Cabinet reshuffle.
In a statement, Ms. Sungi described the allegations as “completely false,” saying neither she nor any CCDA officer has custody of, access to, or possession of the Ministerial Office or its keys.
“Neither the Acting Managing Director, Ms. Debra Sungi, nor any CCDA officer has custody of, access to, or possession of the Ministerial Office or its keys. The Ministerial Office is a political office allocated to the responsible Minister and is separate from the administrative functions of CCDA,” Ms. Sungi said.
She said the Authority had delayed the formal ministerial handover after uncertainty emerged over the responsible Minister following public announcements that the Minister for Forests would also oversee the Climate Change portfolio.
“Accordingly, the Acting Managing Director issued clear administrative instructions that CCDA would await the official Ministerial Determination and Gazettal Notice before proceeding with any formal ministerial handover. This was the only appropriate administrative course of action to ensure legal certainty, avoid confusion, and facilitate a smooth transition,” she said.
Ms. Sungi said it was disappointing that allegations surfaced while she was representing Papua New Guinea at the Pacific Climate Ministers’ Meeting alongside the Chairman of the National Climate Change Board.
“It is therefore deeply disappointing that while the Acting Managing Director was undertaking official duties representing Papua New Guinea at the Pacific Climate Ministers’ Meeting… false allegations were circulated suggesting that she had locked the Ministerial Office or was withholding the office keys,” she said.
She said the claims had caused unnecessary confusion and unfairly questioned her integrity while she was carrying out official government duties.
The Acting Managing Director also confirmed that on the morning of July 21, CCDA General Manager for Adaptation and Projects, Jacob Ekinye, entered her office demanding the Ministerial Office keys.
“He was repeatedly informed that neither the Acting Managing Director nor any CCDA officer had possession of, or access to, the Ministerial Office keys. Despite these explanations, the demands continued, contributing to unnecessary disruption and confusion within the office,” Ms. Sungi said.
She expressed concern that Mr. Ekinye’s actions had contributed to confusion surrounding the ministerial transition despite clear administrative instructions to await the Government’s official Ministerial Determination.
Ms. Sungi reaffirmed that CCDA remains committed to an orderly, lawful and professional transition and stands ready to work with the duly appointed Minister once the Ministerial Determination and Gazettal Notice are issued.
She also urged officers and members of the public to verify facts before making or circulating allegations.
“CCDA respectfully calls upon all officers and members of the public to verify facts before making or circulating allegations that unfairly damage the reputation of individuals or institutions,” Ms. Sungi said. “The Authority also requests that public commentary accurately reflects the facts and avoids attributing responsibility to the Acting Managing Director or CCDA officers for matters that are outside the Authority’s administrative responsibility and control.”