Opposition
Leader Sir Mekere Morauta said today that Michael Somare is turning Papua New Guinea
into “Mugabeland”.
“Somare
has all the ingredients and recipes in place,” he said.
“The
two most-important disciplinary forces, the Defence Force and the Police have
been tribalised and converted into instruments at his disposal and for his
use. “Papua New Guineans should be
extremely worried about these developments and must not allow these tribal
roots to take hold.
“These
moves are fraught with danger and set sickening precedents for others to follow
in the future.
“Michael Somare has to be blamed squarely for
these atrocious, self-serving acts.”
“This
is why this Government has to be changed – to save our country and our future.
“The
alleged capture by Somare’s bodyguards and alleged bashing of NGO activist Noel
Anjo by the Prime Minister and his wife, demonstrate Somare’s preparedness to
silence any critic, by any means, including violence and use of the
institutions of state.
“I
remind Papua New Guineans of the Prime Minister walking across the floor of
Parliament to the Opposition front bench, in spitting distance, saying to the
Member for Bulolo Sam Basil ‘I will kill
you’.
“This
again demonstrates Somare’s willingness to stop at nothing to silence any sign
of criticism or threat, in ways most inappropriate for a leader.
“Shameful.
“Why
do we put up with this?”
Sir
Mekere concluded: “This Government has
so much to protect that it will stop at nothing to stay in power, even if it
destroys the Constitution and people’s freedom.
“Wake
up Papua New Guineans.”
Mekere Morauta KCMG MP
Leader of the Opposition and
Member for Moresby
North-West
