It is frightening the road our country is taking in relation to the ruling cartels actions against journalists, says East Sepik Governor Allan Bird.
In a public post on Facebook addressing the situation surrounding the suspension and termination of Kalang Advertising Limited’s (FM100) Talkback Host and Government Relations Manager Mr. Cullighan Tanda, Governor Bird said he understands that Culligan Tanda was suspected after he interviewed him.
“The sad thing is that I have been a regular participant since 2003 when the late Roger Hau’ofa flew to Madang to interview me at the Madang Resort. I have been supporting FM100 for more than 20 years.
When Roger passed away, Douglas Dimagi came on board, and I still supported the show. I made no exception when Culligan came on board.
In fact, my second last interview with Culligan Tanda resulted in their highest rated show.
The sad thing is that Culligan called me up at the last minute because he had no one to attend on that day. So, I was turning up to support his show,” Governor Bird said.
He added that he is deeply disappointed in the way their management have responded, especially when they met his CEO before the show and he could have objected then.
“I have spoken to Culligan and given him my views of what his options are. I await his decision. I also understand another reporter with EMTV was also terminated for doing a story on the Section 145 reference in court. I have never met that reporter,” he said.
Governor Bird said he is now making a call on all Papua New Guineans to do a passive protest against these actions by government agents.
“Enough is enough. Let’s cease our support of these businesses that act as an extension of government cartels that are suppressing our rights as citizens,” he added.