Governor Bird warns public servants against stealing
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has warned public servants allegedly involved in the misuse or theft of public funds that they could face police investigation and imprisonment.
Governor Bird issued the warning during graduation ceremonies at Brugam SSEC Secondary School in Maprik on Thursday 1st October and Maprik Secondary School and Bob Spence Technical High School at Kusambuk, Yangoru-Saussia, on Friday 2nd of October.
“The practice of Sepiks sitting in position and stealing from our own people must stop,” Mr Bird told graduates, parents, teachers and community members.
He said he had commissioned an audit of the East Sepik Provincial Administration and was awaiting the completed report.
“I told our Provincial Police Commander that I want those who steal from the people to go to jail,” he said.
Governor Bird said one of the major challenges facing his administration was alleged collusion between some public servants and businessmen, which he claimed was resulting in public money being diverted from projects intended to benefit communities.
He cited a school project in Wosera-Gawi as an example, alleging that a contractor had walked away from the project after funds were allegedly taken through collusion with public servants based in Wewak.
“I can assure you that the police are hunting down people right now and they will go to jail,” he said.
“I am sick and tired of public servants colluding with bad people and stealing from you.”
He said the issue was particularly serious because provincial governments were facing increasing pressure on their available funding.
He said if provincial governments were receiving less funding, the limited resources available must be properly managed and directed to essential services and development projects.
“We must not misuse the money or steal from it and wait for the next funding,” he said.
The Governor's comments came amid his broader call for greater accountability within the provincial administration, with the audit expected to provide a clearer picture of how public funds have been managed.
He said his administration would continue to pursue those responsible for allegedly misusing public resources.
Bird made the remarks during a two-day visit to the Maprik and Yangoru-Saussia areas, where he attended the three graduation ceremonies and officially opened the Kusaun and Miko rural markets along the main Sepik Highway.
The Governor's allegations concerning the Wosera-Gawi school project and other possible cases of misuse of public funds have yet to be tested in court. The outcome of the provincial administration audit and any police investigation will determine whether individuals will face criminal charges.