Marape rejects resignation call by Nomane amidst law & order chaos in PNG

Prime Minister James Marape says resigning from his leadership post won’t solve the ongoing law & order crisis in the country – as demanded by deputy opposition leader James Nomane.

Nomane said PM Marape, Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, and the Police Commissioner David Manning must acknowledge their failure and take responsibility for the violence and chaos plaguing the country.

He said citizens are unsafe, and the mismanagement under Marape’s leadership has made Papua New Guinea vulnerable.

"The deteriorating law and order in the Highlands region highlights the failures of Marape’s government.

"Criminals armed with guns and machetes act without consequence, proving that the government has lost both legitimacy and moral authority.

"Since taking office in 2019, Marape has led a government of underqualified, inexperienced MPs who have mismanaged national resources and pushed damaging schemes like Con-Act PNG, the Gold Bullion scandal, and the public servants’ insurance scam.

"Under his leadership, Papua New Guinea risks becoming a failed state," Nomane said.

He said a legitimate government’s primary role is to ensure citizens’ safety, a responsibility Marape has continually failed.

"Since 2019, his leadership has been marked by crisis after crisis, and he lacks the skills needed to govern effectively."

The Deputy Opposition Leader added that nationwide violent crimes are on the rise, and the government’s inability to address them has eroded public trust.

He said the brutal murders at the start of 2025 are a result of failed political leadership, further weakening the social contract between the government and the people.

"The Prime Minister, Police Minister, and Commissioner of Police have no moral authority to visit affected areas, like Goroka, Tari, or Porgera, and address the families of slain officers.

"They remain disconnected from the suffering while others risk their lives on the front lines. MPs must act and end this crisis immediately.

"Marape must admit his inability to resolve the nation’s law and order problems. He is more interested in holding onto power than addressing the country’s pressing needs. His leadership has proven inadequate, and it’s clear he’s not fit to be Prime Minister," Nomane said.

"I called Prime Minister Marape and Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili to resign immediately. MPs must demand their resignation to protect the nation’s security, welfare, and future."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape has strongly rejected calls for his resignation, labeling them as politically opportunistic and a reckless attempt to exploit social tensions for political gain.

“From my end, I see a pattern emerging from the Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane, and I am not surprised. Some in the opposition believe they can ascend to government by exploiting social issues and tensions on the ground. This modus operandi has become apparent,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister made it clear that resigning is not the solution to the challenges facing Papua New Guinea.

“The job of a Prime Minister is not to resign at every crisis—it is to lead, coordinate, and allocate resources to address national challenges. That is exactly what we are doing.”