Despite the Police Commissioner David Manning’s advice that there would be no protests outside National Parliament on Tuesday, a sizable crowd gathered around 10am, just outside the Port Moresby Arts Theater heading toward the back entrance, calling out for the removal of disgraced Moresby South MP, Justin Tkatchenko.
The Commissioner had advised that there would be no protest, and that no gathering would be allowed within the vicinity of the Parliament as the June sitting would be held.
However, the peaceful protest lead by The PNG Trade Union Congress and various Non-Government Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and student representatives from the University of Papua New Guinea banded together in a show of solidarity.
Mr Dilu Okuk, a candidate who contested the 2022 National General Election, stated during the gathering that those that take up the mantle of leadership when they are mandated by the people should portray themselves in a manner befitting one.
“When you hold a position within the public space as a leader, everything you do becomes public, because the Public pays you.”
“You must take into consideration what you do or say because you have given yourself up to serve the people.”
He added that this protest is also an eye opener for the people, stating that as public servants, Members of Parliament should not take advantage of the privilege.
During the peaceful march/protest, alleged supporters of Mr Tkatchenko also showed up in huge numbers to deter the protesters almost leading to an altercation.
Fortunately, due to the presence of the police on ground, this deterred any notion of violence and police were able to maintain order.