Momis says Bougainville national MPs must improve performance
ANTHONY KAYBING
President John Momis says the four Bougainville MPs in the PNG national parliament need to present a unified front to ensure commitments to the autonomous province are implemented according to the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Dr Momis noted the “dismal failure” of Bougainvillean MPs in the previous O’Neill government to advocate for the full implementation of the peace agreement.
He said he was particularly frustrated by regional member Joe Lera’s statement in Alotau last week that the Bougainville government had neglected to consult with him on matters relating to Bougainville when he was Minister for Bougainville Affairs.
“As the Minister for Bougainville affairs, Mr Lera should have been proactively pursuing the Bougainville agenda on behalf of the people and not maintaining the neutral stand he opted for,” Dr Momis said.
He said that the National Coordination Office for Bougainville Affairs under the Bougainville Affairs Ministry is the avenue through which national MPs should raise issues that affect Bougainville.
Major issues include an outstanding one billion kina in restoration development funds, the implementation of resolutions from the Joint Supervisory Body and the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
“Politicians must understand that their roles are not that of fund distributors [but] foremost as lawmakers who must ensure equitable distribution of services and the creation of laws that govern the people in a democratic fashion,” Dr Momis said.
He said that provincial and district improvements funds had created a dependency syndrome amongst the people instead of letting them participate meaningfully in development.
“While we recognise the importance of having development in Bougainville, the national MPs must advocate on behalf of the ABG, which is the legitimate government on Bougainville.
“They must not shy away from standing up for our people and they must work with the ABG and ensure self-determination for our people is not compromised,” Dr Momis said.
He added that the referendum on Bougainville’s independence is fast approaching and there is a need for political leaders to unite to ensure the process is not jeopardised by their self-interest.
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