Wenge responds to allegations of K250m IDG funds misappropriation
Morobe Governor Luther Wenge on Monday called a public forum in front of the Tutumang Haus or the Morobe Provincial Government’s House of Assembly, in an attempt to clarify a rumor on social media regarding grants for the Wafi Golpu mine.
The rumor claims that the Morobe Provincial Government under Governor Wenge's leadership has misused the K250 million from the National Government that was given as Infrastructural Development Grants [IDG] for the Wafi Golpu Gold mine project.
He was furious over the fact that those posting these accusations have not been following the news from the last year and the year before.
He pointed out that the breakdown of the K250 million was presented as cheques to the MPs of the 10 districts in the province, as well as to the business arms of various landowner group associations.
“I have served 4 terms as the governor of this province, so if you think I have misused this K250 million, please come forward with your evidence and do not hide behind fake Facebook accounts to make such serious accusations,” Wenge stated to members of the public present at the Forum.
He then submitted an official complaint to a police officer, requesting an investigation into the individuals responsible for instigating these rumors.
Governor Wenge further stated that he would support a ban on Facebook, as many people are not using the platform to seek accurate information.
Instead, he noted, it is being used to spread false rumors and to post harmful content, particularly discriminatory remarks against women and girls.
“I will ask parliament to ban Facebook even if it means introducing a bill to do so.
Developed countries like China have banned Facebook, but we are still entertaining it and promoting stupidity that doesn’t even respect what should be sacred in our culture, like our private parts,” he said.
Members of the public were then allowed to ask questions regarding other matters like the current LLG Elections for his responses.