The police commissioner has come to the aid of Lae Metropolitan Superintendent and commended him for an excellent job in maintaining peace in Lae, especially at the University of Technology campus.
Commissioner Gari Baki said Anthony Wagambie Junior acted very responsibly and professionally throughout the student unrest and should in fact, be commended and not ridiculed.
The Commissioner said the removal of Chief Superintendent Wagambie Junior is insensitive, irresponsible and uncalled for.
Commissioner Baki said this in response to a call by Works and Implementation Minister Francis Awesa, who said police hierarchy failed to address the issue at the University of Technology (Unitech) campus.
“There is really no ground to warrant such a call from the Minister. Neither Chief Superintendent Wagambie, nor the Lae police or the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, can be held liable or responsible for the death of the University of Technology student from the Southern Highlands.
“This happened inside the university campus between the students. Police efforts were concentrated, preventing the problem from spilling over into the streets of Lae.
“In fact, Chief Superintendent Wagambie Jnr should be commended for his leadership which resulted in the quick arrest of three of the murder suspects,” Commissioner Baki said.
Politicians should refrain from meddling with the internal affairs of the Constabulary, the police commissioner stated.
The decision to replace or transfer police officers rests with the Police Commissioner.
(Wagambie Junior addressing a group in a recent gathering in Lae, Morobe Province.)