Media Statement: Dismissal of Secretary for Technical Services
On 22nd July 2019 a Board of Inquiry examining allegations of misconduct against the ABG Secretary for Technical Services, Mr Bernard Tzilu handed down its findings.
The Board found that Mr Tzilu had engaged in serious misconduct in regard to his involvement in a systemic operation to defraud the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
As a consequence, the Board recommended that Mr Tzilu be dismissed from the Bougainville Public Service and in accordance with Section 37 of the Bougainville Senior Appointments Committee Act 2014, he has been dismissed from office.
The comprehensive report of the Board also raised a number of issues regarding the fraud that took place.
Speaking in Port Moresby where he is attending high level discussions on the calculation of constitutional grants, Chief Secretary Nobetau noted that many of these issues go beyond the ABG public service to senior leaders, business houses and national government public servants.
“It is appropriate that these matters continue to be investigated through the relevant legal channels”, Chief Secretary Nobetau said.
While expressing his disappointment in the circumstances that led to Mr Tzilu’s dismissal, the Chief Secretary acknowledged his long-standing work in Bougainville.
“Whilst the nature of Mr Tzilu’s dismissal is disappointing, I do acknowledge his long- standing service to the ABG”, Mr Nobetau said.
Mr Mech Robbin remains Acting Secretary of the Department of Technical Services, pending a decision on a longer term acting appointment by the Bougainville Executive Council and the substantive filling of the position.
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