Prime Minister James Marape has rejected calls by the Parliamentary Opposition to sack key defense officials and sidelined Defense Minister Dr Billy Joseph.
He said the call to sack ministers’ rests with the coalition government parties and Prime Minister himself.
Dr Billy, he said, is the Deputy Leader of Social Democratic Party.
He urged political leaders to avoid exploiting the current situation and instead focus on national unity and stability of the force.
Speaking in response to demands issued by the Opposition during a media conference at Crown Hotel, PM Marape said the matter involving the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) is being handled through proper administrative and legal processes.
“I ask the Opposition not to delve into politics at this time,” PM Marape told a media conference last night in Port Moresby.
“This is a time for the country to organize, reflect, pray, and stand with our people who are directly affected by the cyclone.”
He dismissed the Opposition’s 24-hour ultimatum as politically motivated.
The Opposition had earlier called for sweeping changes within the defense leadership, demanding that:
• Defense Minister Billy Joseph be sacked and removed from office.
• Defense Secretary John Akipe be dismissed.
• The PNGDF Commander and Deputy Commander be sidelined to allow for an independent inquiry.
The demands were presented publicly by Opposition members, including Opposition Leader James Nomane at a media conference in Port Moresby yesterday.
In response, PM Marape clarified that Minister Joseph has already been removed from the Defense portfolio and reassigned, distancing him from all defense-related matters.
“He is no longer Defense Minister as I speak. I have assumed full responsibility for the Defense portfolio,” Marape said.
PM Marape also revealed that due process is underway within the PNGDF command structure, with senior officers given a seven-day notice to respond to issues under investigation.
“The Commander and relevant officers have been given time to respond. Their submissions will form part of an independent investigation process that will determine what has transpired,” he said.
He emphasized that the government is leaving “no stone unturned” in addressing the situation, while cautioning against misinformation and premature conclusions.
The Prime Minister also criticized the Opposition’s approach, suggesting some members lacked experience in governance.
“Some of them have never run government and cannot differentiate between policy and law,” he said, referring to previous criticisms over government decisions.
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PM Marape reiterated that while the Opposition is entitled to its views, decisions on leadership and disciplinary action remain the responsibility of the executive government.
“We will continue to follow due process and act in the best interest of the country,” he said.