GG IS SUSPENDED, PARL TO REVIEW COURT RULING, MUTINIOUS COPS TO FACE FATE,,,
UNSETTLED.... |
The governor general was summoned this morning by parliament to swear in Mr O'Neil at around 2pm, but he refused saying he only recognises the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare as the legitimate prime minister. Speaker of Parliament, Jeffery Nape is now the acting Governor General, and swore in Peter O'Neil as the prime minister. Francis Marus, the deputy speakers is now the acting speaker.
All these transpired on the floor of parliament. In doing so, the latest happenings has placed PNG in another constitutional crisis mood. The Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare's 20-men cabinet was sworn in this morning at the Government House.
They then convened an NEC meeting at Morauta Haus, where the prime minister's department is based including the National Executive Council. So far, Papua New Guinea has two prime ministers, two deputy prime ministers, two governor generals, 50 plus ministers, two police commissioners, and two finance secretaries. Meanwhile, the man caught between the controversy, Sir Michael Ogio has come out explaining why he recognized the Somare camp, and not Peter O'Neil.
He explained, as Head of the State, he is duty bound to uphold the Constitution, and uphold and give effect to decisions and orders of the Supreme Court, that has bearing on the performance of his Vice Regal duties and functions, and responsibilities. Sir Michael said, such was his duty, on the Supreme Court order, and as forwarded to him by the State Solicitor.
He said based on advise from government lawyers, he took action to recognize the grand chief in accordance with the orders of the Supreme Court. Sir Michael said he did that, informingly, in the best interest of Papua New Guinea.
FINAL UPDATE:
The swearing in of the new NEC has been just completed! The same NEC in
the old O'Neill/Namah Govt remains. Acting GG leaves Parliament Chamber
and being escorted out by Fred Seekiot and Tom Kulunga. Parliament
resolves to review the Supreme Court's decision of 12th December, 2011
using the "slip rule" on the basis that the Court has no power to review
Parliamentary acts. And finally, Parliament resolves that the actions
of Fred Yakasan and his group of policemen are acts of mutiny and will
be dealt with accordingly
REPORTS FROM NBC NEWS AND FACEBOOK MOBILE FEEDS FROM PARLIAMENT
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