Governor Parkop commends students

Port Moresby Governor,  Powes Parkop has commended the university students for showing maturity and good leadership during the time of the protest. 

"I am proud of our students for their passion for their country. I am humbled that they are thinking and taking their future seriously in both taking action on what they believe is right and also being committed to their studies. They were very patriotic and nationalistic and showed maturity and leadership as I received their petition today", he said.

Governor Parkop went to the University of  Papua New Guinea  as his role as  Governor of National Capital District and as a mandated MP of the people of Port Moresby  to receive the petition from the students. 

" I want to assure our people in NCD that all is being done to restore order in the city. While freedom of expression and speech is welcomed, it was also concerning if this could get out of hand. I hope this will bring back normalcy in UPNG and that they will wait patiently for the PM to respond to their petition:.

"Once again, I highly commend all of the over 15,000 students and I say thank you. Thank you for their passion and commitment to a better future and for the sacrifices they are paying and making to address their concerns of National affairs. These are our Champions and future leaders of the Nation", he said.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has received the petition from Governor Parkop. He thanked student leaders for showing good leadership . “I thank the students for the mature manner in which the petitions were presented to my delegation", Mr. O'Neill said.

“There are several assertions that are made in the petitions for which considered and detailed briefs will be prepared and presented to the UPNG and UNITEC Student Representative Councils, he said. 

“Considering that several of these matters are before the courts, comment must be carefully considered so as to not undermine court proceedings.

“A number of claims have been made that relate to the national economy for which comprehensive analysis will be provided to students.

“Papua New Guinea is a country in which democratic process is universally cherished and respected by our people.

“Every citizen has the right to speak their mind so long as this is done in a way that does not undermine the rights and safety of others.

“I commend students who have expressed their right to free speech in a responsible manner.”

Meanwhile, the students have given Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to respond within 24 hours on their demands. Failure to respond to their request  will lead to their mass withdrawal  from their studies.