Opposition Leader James Nomane, has spoken out in a Press Conference held this afternoon following viral allegations of nepotism and tribalism within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) recruitment process.

Nomane described the unfolding scandal as a direct threat to national sovereignty, warning that the integrity of the country’s primary disciplinary institution is at a breaking point.

The Opposition’s concerns follow a series of videos circulating on social media which purportedly show impropriety and bias in the selection of new recruits.

He argued that these allegations suggest a breakdown of merit-based systems in favor of tribal lines and personal favors.

“We have just celebrated our independence, yet we are already seeing a total loss of trust in our recruitment processes,” Nomane stated.

He emphasized that the PNGDF plays a critical role in ensuring the sovereignty of the country, noting that as a disciplinary force, they have to apply the highest standards in the recruitment process and in their conduct.

Nomane questioned why Prime Minister James Marape has remained silent while ministers reportedly implicated in the scandal remain in their portfolios.

He demanded that any leadership involved be sidelined immediately to ensure a transparent investigation.

“It raises a lot of questions as to why the Prime Minister has been so quiet about bringing in ministers that are implicated in such scandal,” Nomane said.

He further insisted that the Prime Minister must absolutely put them aside to allow an independent inquiry to commence forthwith to confirm or deny whether there's been some impropriety.

The Opposition is calling for this formal, independent inquiry to address the serious questions raised by the viral footages.

Nomane emphasized that without a swift and credible investigation, the public’s faith in the PNGDF-and the government’s ability to manage national security- will be permanently damaged.

He concluded that the inquiry is essential to investigate the whole selection and recruitment process and restore the standards of excellence the nation expects from its military.

Meanwhile, Member for Ialibu-Pangia and former Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, has joined the chorus of other Opposition leaders demanding immediate accountability following allegations of corruption and tribalism within the PNGDF recruitment process.

O’Neill warned that the government’s refusal to address the scandal is actively eroding the morale and discipline of the nation's most critical security institution.

He expressed deep concern over the public and parliamentary debates regarding the force’s falling standards, stating that the PNGDF holds a unique place and unique role to play in our country, where its responsibility is to protect the nation and its people.

He criticized the executive's response to the crisis, noting that the concerns of the public appear to be falling on deaf ears while the Prime Minister continues to offer statements that do not make any sense whatsoever.

The former Prime Minister emphasized that the integrity of the force is being compromised by provincial and tribal interests, which threatens the very fabric of national security.

“We must not allow this Defence Force of ours to be tribalized and to be regionalized,” O’Neill said.

He argued that it is quite evident that the recruitment process has been compromised and insisted that the only path forward is for leadership to take responsibility.

“The right thing for the Defence Minister to do is to step aside and resign and save his dignity and try and restore some common sense and some decency in the Defence Force.”

While acknowledging the benefits of the new security alliance with Australia for training and development, O’Neill questioned why the government would allow corruption to creep into this recruitment process at such a pivotal time.

He accused the Prime Minister of failing to discipline his own cabinet while targeting the weakest people in the public service.

“This country doesn't belong to the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister; it belongs to every citizen,” O’Neill concluded, urging the government to finally put an end to the controversy by making the right decision.