Wewak petitions Manning

A group in Wewak yesterday petitioned Police Commissioner David Manning over his decision to transfer East Sepik police commander Supt Christopher Tamari, while other provinces continue to oppose the police appointments.
East Sepik Civil Society chairman Christopher Bais said the petition which was to be handed to East Sepik administrator Samson Torovi was emailed to Manning as Torovi was not the right person to address the petition.
“It was addressed to the Police Commissioner David Manning and was then emailed to Manning,” Bais said.
Bais urged Manning “to rescind this decision as it is not in the interest of us the users or recipients of your department’s service”.
He said in the 12 months Tamari served as police commander, “law and order has improved despite him being suspended for a month”.
“General behaviour and attitude of our youth have changed due to his ongoing community awareness in hotspot areas,” Bais said.
He said Tamari restored control and command in the East Sepik constabulary and lifted officers’ morale. “It is still going on, so we ask for him to stay and complete his term. And after that, if they want to move him, that is okay,” he said.
“His transfer means there is inconsistency, disruption to police planning and implementation programmes which would contribute to a deteriorating law and order situation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Central Governor Rufina Peter said she was shocked and disappointed after learning that provincial police commander Acting Supt Laimo Asi was demoted and transferred.
Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa also objected to the transfer of provincial police commander Chief Supt John Sagom to the National Capital District.
Shadow Minister for Internal Security Johnson Wapunai also highlighted the vacuum in Central and East Sepik after the heads of police there were moved out.
Police Commissioner David Manning said that they would continue to look for suitable candidates.