Photo: STRINGER
A Papua New Guinea Government MP, the East Sepik Governor, Allan Bird, says Prime Minister James Marape must take responsibility for the Port Moresby riots two weeks ago.
The National reports Governor Bird saying the police cannot be punished for the looting and burning, the government is totally responsible for what happened.
"You can't just pass the buck, we've got to take responsibility for that," he said.
He said it is a stain on PNG's history, a stain on all members of Parliament, and a stain on all of the decisionmakers, who for many years failed to deal with the underlying issues in the country.
Allan Bird. Photo: Parliament of Papua New Guinea
Governor Bird said the lack of employment and increases in living costs had contributed to the buildup of frustrations that led to the riots in which lives were lost, women raped, and businesses destroyed.
Earlier in the week Morobe Governor Luther Wenge said a change in leadership will restore confidence in government, and called for Mr Marape to put his leadership of the Pangu Party on the table.
Wenge said he is not going anywhere, that he is a Pangu Party member, but a change in leadership is necessary.