Southern Highlands Premier Mr Yaungtine Koromba yesterday suspended one of his ministers.

He is the forest minister, Nikon Ipe, who was alleged to have misused a government vehicle while under the influence of liquor.

Mr Koromba said he had suspended the minister to allow the matter to be investigated by the police.

The premier said Ipe had used the vehicle on the weekend.

He got drunk and gave the car to another person to drive, Mr Koromba said.

He said the vehicle was smashed up in a crash. The vehicle was also allocated to the education minister, Mr Stephen Mendipo.

Mr Koromba said the deputy premier and justice minister, Mr Yakale Kulu, would be acting forest minister until the court has dealt with Ipe’s case.

Mr Koromba also warned his ministers and public servants in the province not to misuse government property.

He said appropriate action would be taken against offenders, especially government ministers who use vehicles to get drunk, because the province was under a liquor ban.

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