BY SEBASTIAN HAKALITS
A major dispute has emerged over the chairmanship of the powerful Pangu-based Special Mining Lease Osikaiyang Landowners Association.
The difference is between the Me’ekamui government of unity president, Philip Miriori, who claims to be chairman of SMLOLA, and Lawrence Daveona, who maintains he was elected to the position in June 2013.
The dispute was sparked by public statements mooting the re-opening of the Panguna copper mine and the ensuing pro and anti support for it.
Mr Daveona said he holds the position after being elected into office by the Bougainville Electoral Office.
Mr Miriori, in a public statement, referred to himself as chairman of SMLOLA when opposing the re-opening of the mine.
Mr Daveona said he should not be misleading the people in that manner.
“I strongly condemn the actions of Mr Miriori, who is acting on behalf of Renzie Duncan of Central Exploration Limited and RTG Mining Limited, to lure people from around the SML area with inducements and obtain signatures to petition the ABG president.
If this inducement exercise has become a norm here in the Panguna mine lease area villages, I am positive that the Australian Securities Commission would take RTG Mining Limited to task to explain why, under its arrangements with Central Exploration Limited, such luring of simple villagers to sign the petition that was presented to our ABG president is taking place.
“Both these two are Australian companies and what they are doing is not in the best interest of the Bougainville peace process as they are causing divisions among the people of Panguna-affected lease area villages.
“I am still the chairman of SMLOLA and not Mr Miriori,” he said.
He said the ABG through the Panguna negotiations office has set Wednesday May 10, 2017 as the date to elect new executives for the SMLOLA at Dapera village and Mr Miriori is welcome to nominate for any position.