Opposition raises concern on the appointment of NIO acting Director General

The Appointment of Major Joshua Dopar as Acting Director-General of the National Intelligence Organization (NIO) for three months with effect on and from the 15th of February 2024 raises concern from the Opposition.

Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa said they were not aware of the appointment until the notice was received two weeks after the appointment.

"By law, a leader of the opposition is a member of the committee who must also be consulted before the appointment is done, unfortunately, the appointment was done before I was consulted.

"The letter reached my office two weeks after they appointed the NIO Director General and it is a concern to me.

"We are not only talking about NIO but every other office concerning the security of the state and for me to receive the notice two weeks after the appointment raises a lot of questions that we as leaders must respect each other.

"If the office of the Opposition is not respected by the Prime Minister, then how does the Prime Minister expect to be respected by the people of PNG," Tomuriesa said.

Mr. Tomuriesa further added that the appointment also made other seniors in the military like former PNGDF Commander Major General Jerry Singirok about the appointment.

However, he is not against the credentials of Major Dopar to be in that key position but it's the consultation part that raises a lot of concerns.

"Knowing his credentials, I have no question about his educational qualifications, the guy is well educated but the concerns that are raised by the Shadow Minister for Defense Belden Namah, and Former Defense Head Major General Jerry Singirok must be taken into consideration because we are talking about the office directly dealing with the major issues affecting the country.

"I hope that Prime Minister will keep his word, this appointment is only a temporary appointment for three months and after that proper consultation will be made with experienced people before making a final appointment," Tomuriesa said.