Renbel premier Lence Tango has been accused of pressurising the ministry of finance and treasury to release a sum of $20,000 to host the Renbel second appointed in Bellona today.
The amount was approved by the ministry of provincial government for the occasion.
However it was revealed that following the approval Mr Tango went and allegedly forced the finance division to release the money.
A close source within the ministry of finance accounting section revealed this to Solomon Star yesterday saying the money has been released to him last Wednesday following mounting pressure by the premier.
“Mr Tango has pressured us to make sure that money was released to him.
“Such event has its own budget but to come and pressure us for the money is unprofessional,” the source said.
The source said the premier Lence Tango insisted to have the money purposely for the smooth run of the celebration.
It was revealed that after he received the money he left for Renbel.
The officer said its important that leaders must respect them, act sensibly and understand procedures when dealing with such matters in the future.
The premier could not be reached for comments yesterday.
The provincial secretary Angiki Peseika Baiabe when contacted yesterday confirmed the matter saying the premier demanded the release of the payment to ensure preparations are made before the celebration.
“I can stand on his side and confirmed he took the $20,000 which was approved by the provincial government and was supposed to be collected at the treasury division.
“I would like to make things clear here that he only wants the money purposely for this second appointed celebration, for any other reason I don’t know, only the premier himself can explain this,” Mr Peseika said yesterday.
By DENVER NEWTER
