Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has directed the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) to verify serious public allegations concerning payments and the alleged unauthorised use of his name, saying any evidence of improper or unlawful conduct will be referred to police for investigation.
Prime Minister Marape said he had become aware of allegations circulating publicly concerning former NGCB trustee Mr Steven Temo and payments reportedly associated with the organisation.
“I have written to the National Gaming Control Board and asked them to verify these allegations and establish whether the payments being referred to were actually made, to whom they were made, the basis upon which they were made, and whether all proper processes were followed,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“I do not go down to the operational level of government agencies and statutory bodies to direct individual payments, contracts or transactions. These organisations have their own management, boards, processes and legal responsibilities.
“Many people use my name, or claim to be acting on my behalf, when dealing with government departments, agencies and businesses. Let me make it absolutely clear that nobody has authority to use my name or the Office of the Prime Minister to obtain payments, contracts, preferential treatment or personal benefits.
“If anyone claims that the Prime Minister has directed a payment or transaction, that claim must be verified through the proper channels and against official records.”
Prime Minister Marape said the NGCB had been asked to establish the facts surrounding the allegations, including whether payments were made and whether they complied with applicable laws, policies and approval processes.
“If the NGCB establishes that improper payments were made, or if there is evidence suggesting wrongdoing, then I will ask police and other appropriate authorities to investigate all persons involved,” he said.
“No individual will be protected because they claim to know me, work with me, come from my electorate or province, or have political connections.
“The law must apply equally to everyone.”
Prime Minister Marape also clarified that Mr Temo is no longer a member of the NGCB trust.
“Mr Temo is no longer a member of the trust,” he said.
“People appointed to positions of public trust are there to serve Papua New Guinea. They must conduct themselves lawfully, ethically and in the national interest.
“Appointment to public office is not a licence to use public resources, political connections or the names of leaders for private benefit.”
Prime Minister Marape cautioned against treating allegations circulating on social media as established facts before they had been properly investigated.
“Serious allegations have been made publicly, but allegations are not evidence and they must be verified,” he said.
“That is why I have asked the NGCB to check its records and establish the facts.
“If the allegations are false, the facts should clear those who have been wrongly accused. If the allegations are supported by evidence, then the appropriate authorities must deal with those responsible according to law.”
Prime Minister Marape said his Government does not tolerate and would not tolerate corruption, illegal payments, abuse of office or the misuse of public funds.
“We do not tolerate and would not tolerate illegal practices,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Public money belongs to the people of Papua New Guinea. Every kina must be accounted for and used for its lawful and intended purpose.
“I expect the NGCB and all government agencies to maintain proper records, follow lawful processes and cooperate fully with any investigation that may arise from these allegations.”
Prime Minister Marape said the same standard applied across government.
“If anyone is using my name to solicit money, secure contracts, influence payments or gain benefits, I want that exposed,” he said.
“Those appointed to public office must work for the country through lawful conduct. Where there is evidence of wrongdoing, let the law take its course.”