Lawyer and political rival Laken Lepatu Aigilo today referred Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas to the Ombudsman Commission for investigations.

OFFICIAL CORRUPTION ALLEGATION REPORTED

He lodged the complaint in relation to allegations leveled against Sir Peter of misappropriating Porgera Mine benefits valued over K1.6 billion. The benefits allegedly misappropriated are for a period of some 25 years.

Business arm of Enga Provincial Government, Mineral Resources Enga (MRE) administers and manages five percent equity belonging to landowners and EPG.

The Chief Ombudsman Commissioner Richard Pagen offered his apology for not being there in person to receive it. However, he assigned his Deputy and other senior officers to register and receive the complaint. 

In a Facebook post by Aigilo, the watchdog commended them for the initiative,saying such complaints against leaders come to their Office in rare occasions.

Additionally, lawyer Aigilo said they wholeheartedly registered the complaint and pledged to give special attention to the case.

Due to the sensitivity of the matter, the Government officials barred media.

Complaint to police 

“We then proceeded to the National Fraud Squad and Anti-Corruption Directorate (Fraud Squad) Office at Konedobu. We met with the Director at 02:00pm. Due to the sensitivity of the case involving a national leader misappropriating billions of Kina, he deferred the referral to next Wednesday 21/04/21. This will allow his boss to officially receive the complaint and handover to him,” he said.

Further, Mr Aigilo commended his team for a job well done representing the silent majority of Engans.

“My heartfelt gratitude to my team who showed support in numbers today! We are the change that we wish to see!

“Let’s Take Back Enga! Justice for People of Enga!

“God bless us all,” he concluded.