Papua New Guinea’s NCD Parkop Flags Security Woes as Vagrancy Bill Tabled in Parliament

 Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, has refuted allegations that he pressured officials to authorize payments to Paul Paraka Lawyers during his time as Finance Minister. His statement came during his appearance as a State witness in the trial of Jacob Yafai, a former deputy secretary of the Finance Department. Yafai, 46, from Karapia village in East Sepik’s Yangoru district, is accused of misappropriating K41.8 million through transactions with the law firm between 2012 and 2013.

PNG Prime Minister Rejects Claims of Influence in Controversial Legal Payments Case

During his testimony, Marape revealed that he had issued a directive to halt all payments to Paul Paraka Lawyers after taking office as Finance Minister in July 2012. He referenced a memo dated October 31, 2012, which explicitly instructed the Finance secretary to cease any disbursements to the firm. “I made it clear through official channels that no payments should be made to Paul Paraka Lawyers,” he stated.

Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika questioned Marape on whether he had attempted to influence Yafai at any point during his tenure as Finance Minister to process such payments. The Prime Minister dismissed the notion entirely, asserting that he maintained strict adherence to proper administrative protocols and did not engage in any coercive behavior.

The court also heard from Davis Steven, a former Attorney-General, who provided insights into a Supreme Court stay order issued in 2006. This legal order had barred further payments to Paul Paraka Lawyers, underscoring the restrictions that were already in place. Steven’s evidence focused on the implementation of the court’s directive and its relevance to the case.

Notably, Kerenga Kua, MP for Sinasina-Yongomugl and a former Attorney-General, did not appear to testify during the proceedings. His absence was acknowledged by the court, but no details were provided regarding his potential involvement in future hearings. Chief Justice Sir Gibbs postponed the trial until a later date to accommodate additional testimonies and allow for further scrutiny of the evidence.

The high-profile case has captured public attention due to its implications for government accountability and the alleged misuse of public funds. As the trial progresses, it raises critical questions about transparency and financial governance in Papua New Guinea.

Also read

Papua New Guinea’s NCD Parkop Flags Security Woes as Vagrancy Bill Tabled in Parliament