Rembo Paita’s court-confirmed election bribery is a national disgrace. His resignation is a necessary first step in restoring public trust and economic stability in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Renbo Paita Should Resign in Shame: A National Call for Integrity in PNG Politics
The Call for Resignation
The people of Papua New Guinea deserve better. Our leaders must be held to the highest standards, especially when they are entrusted with ministries that directly affect our future. This is why Renbo Paita, MP and Mining Minister, must resign in shame.
Following the National Court’s ruling that found Paita guilty of election-related bribery, we must ask ourselves: Is this the kind of leadership we want managing one of our most critical economic sectors? Trust in public office is not a privilege, it’s a duty. And once that trust is broken, there must be consequences.
National Court Ruling
The court didn’t merely throw around accusations. It issued a clear and reasoned judgment based on evidence. Paita was found to have engaged in acts of bribery during the 2022 elections. These were not mere technicalities; they were acts that strike at the heart of our democracy.
This ruling isn’t just a legal matter. It’s a national wake-up call. If we continue to normalize political misconduct, we allow corruption to grow stronger than the law.
The Ethical Breach: Election-Related Bribery
Bribery in elections is not just illegal it’s immoral. It steals the power of the people and replaces it with manipulation and deceit. When money changes hands for votes, democracy is sold to the highest bidder.
Here’s why this is dangerous:
- It promotes unqualified leadership.
- It silences the voices of the poor.
- It weakens democratic institutions from within.
Unethical behavior may not always be illegal. But in this case, Paita’s actions were both.
Public Expectation vs. Political Reality
Papua New Guineans want leaders who serve, not exploit them. When we elect someone, we place in them the hopes of families, youth, and future generations. What message does it send when a minister involved in bribery still holds office?
It’s simple:
- Public trust collapses.
- Government credibility fades.
- Young people lose faith in politics.
Holding a ministerial position is not a right. It’s a responsibility.
The Role of the Mining Minister: Responsibilities and Expectations
The Mining Minister is no small role. It involves:
- Negotiating billion-kina resource projects
- Overseeing environmental and community safeguards
- Ensuring resource wealth benefits all Papua New Guineans
How can we expect fair negotiations and strong governance from someone who gained power through bribery? Our mining sector already faces transparency challenges. Paita’s continued presence only worsens public perception and invites investor hesitation.
The Leadership Crisis in PNG Politics
This is not the first time PNG has faced a leadership crisis. But we must draw a line now.
History shows us:
- Lack of accountability leads to national instability
- Corruption erodes economic progress
- Good leaders act even when it’s hard
The power of an office must come with checks and balances. When those checks fail, the system collapses. We cannot afford that.
Prime Minister’s Stance: Silent Endorsement or Passive Indifference?
Prime Minister James Marape’s silence is telling. Inaction speaks just as loudly as action. The longer Paita remains in office, the more it looks like a silent endorsement of bribery.
Questions we must ask:
- Why hasn’t the PM publicly called for his resignation?
- Is party loyalty more important than national integrity?
- What does this silence mean for future elections?
If the Prime Minister wants to uphold “Take Back PNG,” he must start with cleaning his own cabinet.
The Crucible: Restoring Public Confidence
Rebuilding public trust begins with one step: accountability. Here’s what needs to happen now:
Immediate Actions:
- Paita must resign from Parliament and his ministerial role.
- Parliament must show unity in condemning electoral misconduct.
- The Prime Minister must speak clearly and decisively.
Long-Term Measures:
- Strengthen electoral laws and watchdog powers
- Empower anti-corruption bodies with real enforcement tools
- Promote civic education on the dangers of political bribery
Media, churches, and civil society must continue to shine a light on truth.
Solutions for Economic Growth and Inflation
Corruption doesn’t just damage trust it also damages the economy. One major reason why the Kina (PGK) continues to fall is political instability and poor governance.
The Cost of Currency Devaluation:
- Higher import prices
- Rising inflation
- Struggling local businesses
- Reduced international investment
Economic Recovery Requires:
- Transparent leadership
- Diversification of the economy (e.g., agriculture, tourism)
- Investment in education and digital literacy
- Strengthening local production capacity
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The Imperative of Resignation
The facts are clear. The evidence has been weighed. The people are watching.
Renbo Paita must resign for the sake of PNG’s integrity, economy, and democratic future.
Remaining in power only deepens the damage and undermines the rule of law. If we want a better nation, it begins by holding our leaders accountable.
Let’s not wait for another scandal. Let’s demand better now.
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Renbo Paita should resign for the shake of PNG’s Integrity. Remaining only deepens the damage and undermine the rule of law
Exactly. He should resign in shame!