The Maimai’s in New Ireland province yesterday turned up at the New Ireland Provincial Administration office building, dressed up in their traditional attire to protest and demand the immediate resignation of current Provincial Administrator – Mr. Richard Andia.

In a media conference held in Port Moresby yesterday, New Ireland Governor, Byron Chan said that he was informed of the protest carried out by concerned chiefs, elders and community representatives of the Maimai’s, placing traditional taboos at the provincial administration building.

He said the protest is in relation to the recent orders by the Prime Minister to suspend underperforming public officers from the National level down to the Provincial level.

Governor Chan highlighted that he is aware of the decision and the Provincial Executive Council has already deliberated on the matter by agreeing to the resignation of Mr. Andia.

“We have just received the letter from the Public Service Commission to proceed with the appointment of the new administrator, and we will be doing so on my return to the province this week.

“The process has already started, and I just want to reaffirm our decision (PEC’s decision) to proceed with the resignation of our current Administrator, Mr. Richard Andia. However, processes are there and we must not overlook it, but it will take time,” said Governor Chan.

The New Ireland Governor has asked the people, especially the Maimai Leaders, Chiefs and elders to withdraw from what they’re doing, and patiently wait for the process to fulfil itself as everyone is subject to the laws of Papua New Guinea.   

Chan returns to the Province on Thursday this week and will call a provincial executive council meeting to further discuss this matter.