Namah Calls on PNG Prime Minister Marape, Police Commissioner Manning to Resign

 The Leader of the Opposition, Belden Norman Namah today called on the Prime Minister James Marape to sack National Pandemic Controller, Mr David Manning and tender his own resignation for violating the Constitution and trivialising the rights and freedoms of Papua New Guineans.

Mr Namah said the Controller had overstepped his authority and mandate when he tried to force vaccination upon citizens and restrict freedom of movement in the country.

The Prime Minister must bear the blame and take full responsibility for the grievous offence.

“An apology, as if this is just a simple oversight to be disregarded with a shrug, shows the sheer incompetence of the two men,” Mr Namah said.

“An apology is insufficient for this serious breach of the Constitution and trivialising the freedom of movement of citizens.

“If the Prime Minister does not deal with this matter seriously than he cannot be taken seriously. He is the head of government. He must take full responsibility for this transgression.

“The rights and freedoms of our people are not to be trifled with. The Controller is on record and there is an official order under stamp and Authority of the Contoller which states that people may not travel on aircrafts or other vehicles between provinces unless they are vaccinated.

“For Mr Manning to later apologise and blame the offence on a drafting mistake is unacceptable and clear admittance of his incompetence as Police Commissioner and Pandemic Controller.

“All ministers and Members of Parliament in government must make their views known publicly or share the blame with Marape and Manning for their ascent by remaining silent on the issue.

Mr Namah also called on the National Court Registry to bring forward and list his case against the National Pandemic Act so it can be dealt with  early as its existence is giving rise to serious breaches of human rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. 

Statement

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