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Anderson Agiru

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Anderson Agiru
MP
Member of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea
In office
1997–2002
Preceded byDick Mune
Succeeded byHami Yawari
ConstituencySouthern Highlands Provincial
In office
2007–2012
Preceded byHami Yawari
Succeeded byWilliam Powi
ConstituencySouthern Highlands Provincial
In office
2012–2016
Preceded byNew position
Succeeded byPhilip Undialu
ConstituencyHela Provincial
Personal details
Born1961 or 1962
Hogombe village
Died (aged 54)
NationalityPapua New Guinean
Political partyPeople's United Assembly (2012-2016)
Other political
affiliations
United Resources Party (1997-2011)
SpouseCathy Kakaraya
OccupationPolitician

Anderson Pawa Agiru (c. 1962[1] - 28 April 2016) was a Papua New Guinean politician. He was the Governor of Southern Highlands Province from 1997 to 2002 and 2007 to 2012 and the Governor of Hela Province from its creation in 2012 until his death.[2][3] His position had been disputed for the final five months of his life, with a December 2015 attempt to oust him by members of the Hela assembly - posthumously decided in Agiru's favour - still being determined in the National Court at the time of his death.[4][5]

Early life and first term as Southern Highlands Governor

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Agiru was born in Hogombe village. He was educated at Dauli Primary School and Tari High School, and received a Master of Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Prior to his election, he was a student activist and then first secretary to MP and government minister Parry Zeipi.[6][7] Agiru was elected as Governor of Southern Highlands Province at the 1997 election, succeeding Dick Mune, and formed the United Resources Party, with himself as leader.[8][9][3][10] In his first term, he criticised Ausaid, claiming that they only carried out relief efforts in "provinces where major Australian businesses are" and stated that multinational oil corporation BP had "[treated] my people with contempt" for selling its shares in local oil projects and "would not be allowed back onto the province".[11] In July 1999, Agiru remained loyal to Bill Skate during the crisis that resulted in Skate's ouster as prime minister by Mekere Morauta; however, in December he and four other governors crossed over to support the Morauta government.[12][13]

In June 1999, Agiru faced serious tribal unrest and calls for a state of emergency after Mune, who he had defeated in 1997, was killed in a car accident on the way to attend a court hearing involving a challenge to validity of Agiru's election.[14][15] Agiru was one of the signatories to a peace agreement regarding conflict between the Nipa and Tari people in September 1999.[16] It was reported in August 2000 that tribal fighting in the Southern Highlands had claimed more than 100 lives in the preceding year.[17] On 13 October 2000, both Agiru and the provincial government were suspended by Morauta, remaining in office but stripped of their powers, with administrators called in to run the government.[18]

In March, while still suspended, he was charged with misappropriating more than US$180,000 in public funds and released on bail.[19] In separate proceedings, in May, he was referred to the public prosecutor and the Leadership Tribunal for failing to furnish annual statements for the period 1984 to 1993 and being in possession of a high-powered firearm.[20] In October 2001, the National Court found Agiru's suspension unconstitutional and reinstated his powers as governor after a year.[21] In November, he was referred to a Leadership Tribunal for the second time over an incident where he was alleged to have held a pistol to the head of another person while playing golf.[22] He then challenged the referral to the Leadership Tribunal in court, claiming that the tribunal did not have jurisdiction because of an alleged denial of natural justice in the referral process, though it did not prevent his suspension while proceedings were ongoing.[23] On November 28, the opposition faction of the provincial government, in association with two national ministers, attempted to oust Agiru and install Tom Tomiape as governor; however, this was declared unconstitutional in December and Agiru was reaffirmed as governor.[24][25] The crisis was reported to have led to a flareup of tribal fighting which had claimed up to twenty lives.[26]

Agiru was found guilty by the Leadership Tribunal on twelve of the fifteen counts against him on 16 January 2002, and dismissed him from office, in addition to a fine, on 18 January.[27][28] Subsequent attempt to overturn the dismissal were rejected by the National Court in March, May and June, and the Supreme Court in June. As such, he was prevented from contesting the 2002 election and barred from public office for three years.[29][30][31] Another attempt to contest the Southern Highlands supplementary election was rejected in April 2003, ruling that his ban until January 2005 would stand.[32]

Second term as Southern Highlands Governor

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Agiru returned to politics at the 2007 election, defeating his replacement as governor, Hami Yawari.[33][34] Yawari filed a petition challenging the result, but it was thrown out in May 2008, and again with an appeal in November.[35][36] Having been leader of the United Resources Party in his first term, he continued as deputy leader under William Duma.[37]

Agiru had been a key opponent of an early attempt to develop the region's liquefied natural gas by piping it to Queensland, Australia, advocating instead that it be developed onshore in Papua New Guinea. The opposition was successful, with proponents shifting to onshore processing instead.[38] As negotiations intensified for the onshore development, four resource owners associations appointed Agiru as their negotiator in regard to ExxonMobil's development of the PNG Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project on the Hides gas field.[39] In May, they settled on an agreement which would result in $AU9.5 billion in payments to landholders over the life of the project for what was labelled at the time as "the largest private investment in Papua New Guinea".[40] The deal, reportedly to double PNG's gross domestic product, was finalised in December, with Agiru praised in press coverage for his "instrumental" role in "volatile, hostile and occasional violent" negotiations with landowners.[41]

In July 2009, the National Parliament voted to create two new provinces in the highlands, Hela Province and Jiwaka Province. Agiru praised MPs for supporting the bill, stating that it had been a dream for the people of Hela to have their own province since 1974, and that it had finally been achieved. He also stated, in relation to the ExxonMobil project, "The Hela people had repeatedly said 'No Hela, no gas', but the prime minister has delivered".[42][43]

In August 2010, Agiru oversaw a ban on liquor in Southern Highlands Province.[44] By 2011, he was reported to lead one of two rival factions within the United Resource Party, with Duma leading the other.[45] In June, Duma expelled Agiru from the URP for insubordination.[46] In that year, he stated "building a house is naturally a man's job" and that it was "unmanly and unHuli" for Hela women to build their own houses.[47] He continued to support Michael Somare during the prolonged dispute over his ouster as prime minister by Peter O'Neill, and in December 2011 was appointed by Somare as his would-be nominee for Deputy Prime Minister.[48] In March 2012, he co-founded the People's United Assembly party with five other MPs, assuming the leadership of the new party.[49]

In June 2012, he formally nominated to contest the inaugural governorship of Hela Province rather than to recontest Southern Highlands Province, declaring that "today I am closing the chapter of Southern Highlands and opening a new chapter for Hela Province."[50]

Governor of Hela Province

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In 2012, having campaigned for the creation of Hela Province, he was elected as its first Governor.[3] He switched his support to Prime Minister Peter O'Neill in the wake of the election.[51] In September, he called for boom gates to be erected on the border of Hela Province and Southern Highlands Province.[52] In his first budget, he supported reinvesting the proceeds of the gas project in developing agriculture in Hela, including the construction of two agribusiness factories in conjunction with an Israeli firm.[53]

In April 2013, he criticised ExxonMobil in the media, claiming that they had not met their obligations in regard to the development of infrastructure promised as part of the gas project, and threatening legal action if they were not addressed within thirty days.[54] This led to criticism from the company and some other MPs, who stated that negative media would "hinder progress".[55] His threat was supported by some landowners' associations, who stated that they were ready to force the project to close if the demands were not met, while Nipa-Kutubu leaders threatened to block the road to the gas field in support and an NGO stated that people were "prepared to take action similar to how Bougainville landowners closed the Panguna Copper mine in 1989".[56][57][58] However, by mid-May, talks with ExxonMobil and the national government had largely satisfied Agiru and the provision agreement, with agreements signed to provide a way forward.[59][60]

In July 2013, Agiru, a devout Christian associated with the Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea, moved a motion in the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea to declare Papua New Guinea a Christian country, stating that "foreign religions were coming into the country and destroying the way the people thought and believed" and that he wanted "to see if the people of PNG, the Churches and everyone agree that all forms of other religions which are not Christian must be banned from Papua New Guinea."[61][62]

In November 2013, in an attempt to stop long-running tribal fights in the province, Agiru supported an operation in conjunction with the Papua New Guinea Defence Forces, which saw a combined force of 120 soldiers sent to Hela to break up the conflicts.[63] In March 2015, a petition challenging his 2012 re-election was thrown out by the National Court.[64] In April 2015, Agiru was rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care after kidney-related health complications.[65] He subsequently went to China for further treatment in May.[66]

On 22 December 2015, members of the Hela Provincial Assembly passed a motion of no-confidence attempting to remove Agiru from office, although Agiru won a court order later in the day blocking implementation of the vote until further hearings had taken place.[67] He returned to Hela Province after a prolonged absence on 23 December, and was supported by national minister James Marape and MP Philip Undialu.[68] He declared that he would "fight them on every front" and stated "God has healed me" in relation to his health issues.[69] The National Court initially rejected Agiru's challenge to his removal, and Francis Potape was sworn in as governor by the end of December.[70] National Inter-Government Relations Minister Leo Dion supported the ouster and claimed that Agiru was now only a member of the National Parliament for Hela Province and not Governor.[71] However, on 7 January, the National Court reinstated Agiru until a full hearing in mid-February, subsequently postponed to March, with Agiru remaining in office until then.[72][73] Potape then went to court in February in separate proceedings in an attempt to nullify all decisions made by Agiru in the interim.[74]

Agiru died from a heart attack on 28 April 2016 at the age of 54, having received treatment for a kidney malfunction since June 2015. The funeral service was held at Andajali oval in Tari, and he was buried in his mother's village, Tapanda.[75][76][77] In June, the National Court finally declared that Agiru's December dismissal was null and void and of no effect.[5]

He was married to Cathy Kakaraya, daughter of Sir Pato Kakaraya.[75]

References

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  1. ^ Mou, Freddy (24 May 2016). "Late Anderson Agiru's body finally laid to rest". Loop PNG. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  2. ^ Mou, Freddy (19 May 2016). "Agiru, shining star of Hela – in deed a political icon of our day". Loop Pacfiic. Archived from the original on 19 February 2020. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  3. ^ a b c Mou, Freddy (29 April 2016). "Viewing of late Agiru's body this afternoon". Loop Pacific. Archived from the original on 30 December 2019. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  4. ^ Pok, Jacob (1 April 2016). "Decision on Hela governor seat adjourned". PNG Post-Courier.
  5. ^ a b Mou, Freddy (14 June 2016). "Court rules in favour of late Anderson Agiru". Loop Pacific. Archived from the original on 28 December 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  6. ^ "Hela Governor Anderson Agiru dies". 28 April 2016. PNG Facts. Archived from the original on 28 December 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  7. ^ "Hela mourns death of Agiru". PNG Mirror. 28 April 2016.
  8. ^ "Somare confident of leading PNG coalition". The Australian. 8 July 1997.
  9. ^ "Turmoil in Southern Highlands". The National. 11 June 1999.
  10. ^ "Cosmology, Morality and Resource Development: SHP election outcomes and moves to establish a separate Hela Province" (PDF). Conflict and Resource Development in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Australian National University. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  11. ^ "Provincial governor vows BP will not be allowed back". PNG Post-Courier. 25 June 1998.
  12. ^ "United Resources Party says still with government". 3 July 1999. The National. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  13. ^ "Highlands governors switch to government side". PNG Post-Courier. 21 December 1999.
  14. ^ "Team wants state of emergency in Southern Highlands". The National. 15 June 1999.
  15. ^ Strathern, Andrew & Stewart, Pamela J. (2000). "Accident, Agency, and Liability in New Guinea Highlands Compensation Practices" (PDF). Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  16. ^ "Police urge adherence to Highlands peace deal". PNG Post Courier. 14 September 1999.
  17. ^ "PNG: Anger at killings by police". Australian Financial Review. 4 August 2000.
  18. ^ "Southern Highlands provincial government suspended". The National. 16 October 2000.
  19. ^ "Highland governor freed on bail". Radio New Zealand. 6 March 2001.
  20. ^ "Fourth PBG MP named in $13 million gaming rip-off". Australian Associated Press. 7 May 2001.
  21. ^ "Landmark ruling ends suspension of provincial governments". PNG Post-zcourier. 9 October 2001.
  22. ^ "Agiru to face new charges before leadership tribunal". PNG Post Courier. 8 November 2001.
  23. ^ "Agiru disputes power of tribunal". PNG Post Courier. 29 November 2001.
  24. ^ "I'm still Governor - Agiru". PNG Post Courier. 30 November 2001.
  25. ^ "Agiru affirmed in office". PNG Post-Courier. 17 December 2001.
  26. ^ "Tribal fighting halted in PNG". Australian Associated Press. 21 December 2001.
  27. ^ "Papua New Guinea provincial governor found guilty of misconduct". PNG Village. 16 January 2002.
  28. ^ "Agiru given the boot". PNG Post-Courier. 21 January 2002.
  29. ^ "Agiru appeal fails". PNG Post-Courier. 15 March 2002.
  30. ^ "Agiru out of poll". PNG Post-Courier. 27 May 2002.
  31. ^ "Agiru loses court appeal". PNG Post Courier. 25 June 2002.
  32. ^ "Agiru election run stumped". PNG Post Courier. 14 April 2003.
  33. ^ "How Highlands governors fare". PNG Post-Courier. 24 July 2007.
  34. ^ "Court stops WHP counting". PNG Post-Courier. 6 August 2007.
  35. ^ "Agiru duly-elected MP and Governor". PNG Post-Courier. 28 May 2008.
  36. ^ "Agiru retains seat". PNG Post-Courier. 7 November 2008.
  37. ^ "One MP confirms, another denies". PNG Post-Courier. 19 July 2010.
  38. ^ "Leader praises Hela Governor". PNG Post Courier. 13 October 2014.
  39. ^ "Landowners name Agiru as spokesman". PNG Post-Courier. 14 April 2009.
  40. ^ "PNG landowners to receive $9.5bn". Sydney Morning Herald. 26 May 2009. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  41. ^ "PNG sign historical LNG deal and enters new era". Australian Associated Press. 8 December 2009.
  42. ^ "PNG creates two new provinces- Hela and Jiwaka". Australian Associated Press. 15 July 2009.
  43. ^ "Jiwaka, Hela set to go!". PNG Post-Courier. 15 July 2009.
  44. ^ "Liquor ban in SHP welcomed". PNG Post-Courier. 26 August 2010.
  45. ^ "Enga NA sacks Abal". PNG Post Courier. 9 June 2011.
  46. ^ "Major reshuffle". PNG Post-Courier. 22 June 2011.
  47. ^ "Agiru to build house for women". PNG Post-Courier. 21 October 2011.
  48. ^ "Big blow for Somare camp". PNG Post-Courier. 23 December 2011.
  49. ^ "Agiru to lead new group". PNG Post Courier. 19 March 2012.
  50. ^ "Agiru nominates for Hela". PNG Post Courier. 14 June 2012.
  51. ^ "Alotau camp rises to 80". PNG Post Courier. 31 July 2012.
  52. ^ "Agiru's call for boom gates commendable". PNG Post Courier. 12 September 2012.
  53. ^ "Agiru sets sights on agri-industries". PNG Post Courier. 23 January 2013.
  54. ^ "ExxonMobil upset with Agiru". PNG Post Courier. 24 April 2013.
  55. ^ "Agiru, Hela urged for caution". PNG Post Courier. 25 April 2013.
  56. ^ "Locals back Agiru". PNG Post Courier. 25 April 2013.
  57. ^ "Landowners support Agiru". PNG Post Courier. 30 April 2013.
  58. ^ "Claim landowner frustration could shut down huge PNG gas project". Radio New Zealand News. 2 May 2013.
  59. ^ "Agiru, Exxon hold talks". PNG Post Courier. 14 June 2012.
  60. ^ "Way to address Agiru's petition found". PNG Post Courier. 16 May 2013.
  61. ^ "Agiru: Declare PNG Christian". The National. 15 July 2013. Archived from the original on 28 December 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  62. ^ "PNG Parliament Calls For Religious Freedom Consultations". PNG Post-Courier. July 2013. Archived from the original on 28 December 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  63. ^ "Security forces muscle up in troubled Hela". PNG Post Courier. 24 November 2014.
  64. ^ "Agiru defeats poll victory challenge". PNG Post-Courier. 13 March 2015.
  65. ^ "Official plays down Agiru health scare". PNG Post Courier. 20 April 2015.
  66. ^ "Agiru seeks medical treatment in China". PNG Post Courier. 12 May 2015.
  67. ^ "Agiru ousted". PNG Post Courier. 23 December 2015.
  68. ^ "A king's welcome". PNG Post Courier. 24 December 2015.
  69. ^ "Agiru maintains reign". PNG Post Courier. 28 December 2015.
  70. ^ "PNG province puts Potape in prime role". Radio New Zealand News International. 30 December 2015.
  71. ^ "Dion welcomes Potape as new Hela Governor". PNG Post Courier. 7 January 2016.
  72. ^ "Potape appeals against National Court ruling". PNG Post Courier. 11 January 2016.
  73. ^ "National court refuse Potape bid to dismiss case". PNG Post Courier. 15 March 2016.
  74. ^ "Potape seeks legal bid to nullify Agiru decisions". PNG Post Courier. 16 February 2016.
  75. ^ a b "National Speaker Theo Zurenouc hands over body of late Agiru". Loop Pacific. 20 May 2016. Archived from the original on 28 December 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  76. ^ "Late Anderson Agiru's body finally laid to rest". Loop Pacific. 24 May 2016. Archived from the original on 28 December 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  77. ^ "Hela, Jiwaka leaders announce union". PNG Post Courier. 17 May 2016.
National Parliament of Papua New Guinea
Preceded by Member for Southern Highlands Provincial
1997–2002
Succeeded by
Preceded by Member for Southern Highlands Provincial
2007–2012
Succeeded by
New title Member for Hela Provincial
2012–2016
Succeeded by