“Nobody is above the law.” This was the exact stance taken by Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Welly on the arrest of incumbent EHP Governor, Peter Numu yesterday.
The Governor was arrested alongside 133 of his supporters and a
close protection officer, after the supporters instigated an altercation with the security personnel whilst demanding the early declaration of the MP.
“Well obviously nobody is above the law and basically we just have to process everyone of them, let them go to court and let the courts deal with them,” Supt. Welly said.
Meanwhile, security in the province is being stepped up as they prepare for a repercussion of the incident.
The superintendent also advised residents and the travelling public to take precaution when travelling or commuting, especially at night, and only if there is anything urgent to be done.
The PPC added that they have received threats and are looking out for anything that may attempt to derail the process.
“I want to make sure that those who are on night patrol, especially our hospital staff and others that need to move around do so but otherwise, keep indoors until we have a declaration and then we can move on,” PPC Welly advised.
He further stated that the last fortnight has taken its toll on his men, with fatigue slowly creeping in and that they would not like supporters or scrutineers creating problems.
“We simply want to ensure that we have a peaceful count and whoever that has been mandated by the people of EHP, that’s the governor,” Welly said.
He further elaborated that the seating governor is in the lead and there should not be any discrepancies caused by his supporters.