Prime Minister James Marape has directed the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) to investigate serious public allegations involving payments reportedly linked to former trustee Steven Temo and the alleged unauthorized use of the Prime Minister’s name.
In a statement yesterday, PM Marape said the NGCB must establish whether the alleged payments were made, who received them, the basis for the payments and whether proper legal and administrative processes were followed.
“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,” PM Marape said.
He stressed that he does not intervene in the operational affairs of government agencies or statutory bodies to direct individual payments, contracts or transactions.
“These organizations have their own management, boards, processes and legal responsibilities,” he said.
PM Marape also issued a strong warning against people allegedly using his name or claiming to act on his behalf to obtain payments, contracts, preferential treatment or personal benefits.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
PM Marape said the NGCB’s verification would determine whether the allegations have any factual basis and whether any payments 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.
He said no person would be protected because of their association with him, political connections, electorate or province.
“No individual will be protected because they claim to know me, work with me, come from my electorate or province, or have political connections,” PM Marape said.
“The law must apply equally to everyone.”
PM Marape also clarified that Temo is no longer a member of the NGCB trust.
“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,” he said.
“Appointment to public office is not a license to use public resources, political connections or the names of leaders for private benefit.”
The Prime Minister cautioned the public against treating allegations circulating on social media as established facts before they are independently verified.
“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.”
PM Marape said the verification process should establish the truth regardless of the outcome.
“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,” he said.
He reiterated that his Government would not tolerate corruption, illegal payments, abuse of office or the misuse of public funds.
“Public money belongs to the people of Papua New Guinea. Every kina must be accounted for and used for its lawful and intended purpose,” PM Marape said.
He directed the NGCB and other government agencies to maintain proper records, follow lawful processes and cooperate with any investigation arising from the allegations.
“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.”