Nape: What K30 million?

SPEAKER of parliament Jeffery Nape has hit out at claims that as much as K30 million was paid to him by the government, The National reports.

A statement issued by the speaker’s office said the rumour had been circulating the streets of Port Moresby, and the corridors of the national parliament, in recent months.

The rumour said Nape was given K5 million, some said K12 million and others said K30 million, the statement said.

“Nape does not know anything about such money being made available to him, and does not understand how such malicious rumours could be circulated,” the statement said.

“The office of the speaker categorically denies this rumour and wishes to inform members of parliament and the people of PNG that the rumour is false and malicious in nature.

“This rumour is being perpetrated by some people to discredit the good speaker of parliament for reasons only known to them,” the statement said.

The speaker is currently away on holidays, and could not be reached for comments.

The statement was signed and issued by his second secondary Apa Kua.

Nape would preside over parliament when it resumed in two weeks, and would determine whether or not to allow a notice of a motion of no-confidence in the prime minister to go on the floor.

The prime minister will face a vote of no-confidence if Nape allows the motion through.

The opposition was pushing for this, and was confident the speaker does not have any reason to deny the notice.