by Bridgette Komatep – EM TV, Port Moresby
Frustrated local level government presidents, together with an open member in Northern Province, have moved to overthrow Northern Province Governor Gary Juffa.
The group led by Ijivitari MP David Arore raised concerns that they were tired of Governor Juffa’s leadership style, describing him as a dictator.
Most of them have not received funds for projects since the beginning of the year; therefore, they are pushing for a vote of no confidence to replace the governor.
However, Governor Juffa responded today saying the province was in good hands.
The council presidents were clearly frustrated at the leadership of Governor Juffa.
Backing the group is sitting MP for Ijivitari, David Arore who is pushing the vote of no confidence.
Together with Mr Arore, the seven council presidents said they are tired of Governor Juffa’s conduct. They say funding for projects has always been a problem and they want to change the governor.
Those who spoke included the sectoral chairman for Kira LLG, Chester Nauri and Tufi LLG president and sectoral chairman, Jaff Taua.
However, in a news conference, Northern Province Governor Gary Juffa said he was aware of the planned vote of no confidence in him but says their concerns are not legitimate.
He said under his leadership, the province has had tougher measures to monitor the use of public funds.
He has also banned all sale of land and pushed to stop illegal logging in the area.
All these efforts, he said, are part of improving good governance.
He called on the member for Ijivitari to stop pointing fingers at him because he says Mr Arore also has questions to answer.
