PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) — Papua New Guinea’s cabinet may be reconsidering its decision to appoint Gari Baki as commissioner of police as tension and split among police personnel emerge following the dramatic arrest of Baki last week.
Baki arrived at Police headquarters in Konedobu for work as the top cop on Wednesday and was arrested and charged for perverting the course of justice.
Armed police personnel on opposing sides had their guns ready, indicating confusion and tension within the force.
In a letter to Baki, acting Internal Security Minister John Hickey told Baki not to take office in light of what was happening.
Hickey said in the letter that Baki should stay away “until such time cabinet has considered your position in view of the current events.”
He said he was aware of Baki’s arrest on a criminal charge, and added: “I want you to understand that the stability and good governance of the constabulary is of paramount consideration to the government and the country.”
The prime minister’s press secretary Betha Somare said the prime minister and Hickey met and discussed the issue.
She could not confirm if the letter from Hickey to Baki was issued after the meeting, but insisted that Baki was still the Government’s choice for commissioner.
When contacted, Baki denied receiving the letter. He said he had just met Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and other senior members of the National Executive Council and none of them had mentioned anything about Hickey’s letter.
Baki, his family and supporters were at the court house yesterday, but his case was adjourned to Jan 18.