PNG leader demands quick action on corruption concerns linked to Australia
Wapu Sonk stood down from the PNG NRL franchise board on Friday after an investigation by this masthead into whether he attempted to benefit from a deal between the country's national oil and gas company and a Chinese government-controlled firm.
His position as managing director of state-owned Kumul Petroleum Holdings has now also come under scrutiny, with Marape announcing the appointment of a new chairman 'to lead a full and independent review of the issues raised.'
'This matter must be resolved quickly, clearly, and professionally. I expect a preliminary report on my desk when I return to Port Moresby on Wednesday,' Marape said.
'The people of Papua New Guinea deserve accountability, and the government will ensure that this issue is handled with integrity and in the national interest.'
Sonk was the chairman of the NRL bid team and was nominated by the PNG government as one of seven initial directors of the nascent entity, which will be bankrolled by the Australian government with an injection of $290 million over a decade.
While Marape asked him to stand aside, the corruption concerns relate to the multi-billion dollar energy titan charged with responsibility for the country's oil and gas assets rather than the NRL team itself, and that is now where the PNG leader's attention has turned.
Announcing the appointment of Gerea Aopi, a leading oil and gas industry figure, as Kumul Petroleum's new chairman, Marape said as prime minister and trustee of the company he had 'a responsibility to protect the interests of our country and our people.'
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