KEITH JACKSON
BOUGAINVILLE President John Momis has rebuffed a claim that his government is causing instability within the autonomous province.
The claim was raised by former Bougainville Revolutionary Army strongman, Ishmael Toroama, who expressed scorn for what he said was the regressing state of Bougainville.
In a letter to Dr Momis, Mr Toroama questioned recent events such as the replacement of Bougainville’s acting chief secretary Chris Siriosi, the Torokina oil palm project, and arrangements surrounding the purchase of the Bougainville flagship MV Chebu.
Mr Toroama said Dr Momis and several of his ministers were shareholders in another venture, POGE Bougainville Development Ltd, despite ministers not being allowed to own personal shares.
He ended his letter with an ultimatum that the President provide satisfactory answers or resign.
In rebutting the claims, Dr Momis said the proper processes were adhered to in the appointment of a new Chief Secretary.
“The Bougainville Senior Appointment’s Committee is an independent body which has the final say on the appointments of senior public service positions in Bougainville,” he said.
“The best candidate was the new Chief Secretary, Mr Monoi Amani.”
In another announcement, Dr Momis said Chris Siriosi has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the new Office for the Bougainville Referendum.
“Mr Siriosi’s knowledge and experience on this issue will be a great asset to the government and his legal background will also be of great use to the new department.”
The President also rejected allegations that he held shares in the Torokina Project and said that the benefit sharing arrangement with MV Chebu clearly stipulated that the ABG and Hakau Investments each had a 50% stake in the Chebu Shipping Company.
He added that the ministers’ shares in POGE Bougainville Development Ltd were held on behalf of the Bougainville people.
Dr Momis said that he has withheld nothing from the public.