PNG's top job up for grabs again
AAP - PETER O'Neill said he will stand again for Papua New Guinea's prime ministership today after the deputy speaker unexpectedly threw the position open.
As Deputy Speaker Francis Marus opened yesterday's special sitting of the PNG Parliament he said the Supreme Court had declared Sir Michael Somare the legitimate prime minister.
But he said Sir Michael, who was ousted as leader last August, could not serve in the position because he had been disqualified from Parliament for missing three consecutive sittings.
Mr O'Neill challenged Sir Michael's supporters, many of whom have boycotted Parliament, to turn up today and compete for the top job.
''Parliament has decided in its wisdom that we will recognise the court's decision … and I acknowledge there is a vacancy in the office of prime minister,'' he said. ''I urge the Somare faction: let us end this once and for all. I urge him, take his faction to Parliament so they can also have an opportunity to nominate a candidate.''
Mr O'Neill's deputy, Belden Namah, said the government would nominate Mr O'Neill.
''Tomorrow will be fair game, fair play, like on the rugby field,'' he said.
''We shall put all questions on the prime ministership to rest. I will nominate Peter O'Neill to be the prime minister of this country.''
The timing of yesterday's decision was surprising. Only last week MPs voted to disregard a Supreme Court decision to reinstate Sir Michael as PM.
A spokesman for Mr O'Neill had said on Monday that Parliament was convening to pass legislation defining the boundaries of last week's vote for a state of emergency in three provinces. Mr O'Neill was not in Parliament when Mr Marus read his statement.
But Mr Namah called a caucus meeting in Parliament's stateroom and was heard saying he would seek legal advice.
A clearly surprised Mr O'Neill rushed to join the meeting and was seen through glass doors addressing MPs along with Mr Namah.
Sir Michael's son, suspended MP Arthur Somare, said he did not expect his father's supporters to show up today.
As Deputy Speaker Francis Marus opened yesterday's special sitting of the PNG Parliament he said the Supreme Court had declared Sir Michael Somare the legitimate prime minister.
But he said Sir Michael, who was ousted as leader last August, could not serve in the position because he had been disqualified from Parliament for missing three consecutive sittings.
Mr O'Neill challenged Sir Michael's supporters, many of whom have boycotted Parliament, to turn up today and compete for the top job.
''Parliament has decided in its wisdom that we will recognise the court's decision … and I acknowledge there is a vacancy in the office of prime minister,'' he said. ''I urge the Somare faction: let us end this once and for all. I urge him, take his faction to Parliament so they can also have an opportunity to nominate a candidate.''
Mr O'Neill's deputy, Belden Namah, said the government would nominate Mr O'Neill.
''Tomorrow will be fair game, fair play, like on the rugby field,'' he said.
''We shall put all questions on the prime ministership to rest. I will nominate Peter O'Neill to be the prime minister of this country.''
The timing of yesterday's decision was surprising. Only last week MPs voted to disregard a Supreme Court decision to reinstate Sir Michael as PM.
A spokesman for Mr O'Neill had said on Monday that Parliament was convening to pass legislation defining the boundaries of last week's vote for a state of emergency in three provinces. Mr O'Neill was not in Parliament when Mr Marus read his statement.
But Mr Namah called a caucus meeting in Parliament's stateroom and was heard saying he would seek legal advice.
A clearly surprised Mr O'Neill rushed to join the meeting and was seen through glass doors addressing MPs along with Mr Namah.
Sir Michael's son, suspended MP Arthur Somare, said he did not expect his father's supporters to show up today.
Francis Marus, you are late. Your friend Namah has already done the damage and will be posted to Bomana shortly.
ReplyDeleteIn all wisdom concentrate with the elections,no member on both sides shud convene parliment nor give orders to public servants
ReplyDeleteThis is like a challenging game among two group of children,go for elections n public servants run country til new govt elect
DeleteTotal madness.. If this people go on with the pm's election than the national elections could be delayed or there wont be any at all.
ReplyDeleteCitizen of PNG wake up ! ! ! lets round up these mental retards and institutionalise them all at Laloki where they belong.
ReplyDeleteNews just in. Nape refused to sign instruments to make oneil pm
ReplyDeleteConfirm please.
ReplyDeleteIf thats true than nape has got some sense left..
ReplyDeleteNape has been using the Speakers Office to make money. Today he used the GG's office to milk some more money from Belden Namah. He knows that this is his last term as a member and he won't have opportunities like that again. Good luck Nape may someone else enjoy the money you made from Grand Chief Somare's head for your life is cursed.
ReplyDeletePeter Oneil has created history of sorts in the Commonwealth. Elected 3 times as Prime Minister in the 9 month period.Congratulations Oneil for your achievement. We will remember you for that and nothing else. Enjoy the privellege for the remaining weeks because you won't become PM again. You got the post now simply out of convenience and not through strategic manourvering by your own efforts.
ReplyDeleteIam still interested in the above news about Nape refusing to accept ONeil as pm. I hope it does happen. And this time around Nape should refuse Namah's money for his daughter.
ReplyDeletePNG WAKE UP!!! DO NOT VOTE WHITEMAN, ASIANS AND MIXRACE IN THIS ELECTION. THEY ARE A MINORITY WITH A COMMON OBJECTIVE TO CONTROL OUR POLITICAL LEADERSHIP, ECONOMY AND WEALTH. DO NOT BE FOOLED!! VOTE 100 PERCENT PNG BLOOD CITIZENS ONLY.
ReplyDeleteREMEMBER OUR FOUNDING FATHERS PUSHED FOR INDEPENDENCE TO REMOVE THE WHITEMAN FROM BEING OUR BOSS BUT 36 YEARS ON WE ARE GOING BACK TO PRE INDEPENDANCE YEARS BY ALLOWING MIXED RACES TO FLOOD OUR PARLIAMENT HOUSE.
LET'S PUT A STOP TO THIS THREAT NOW!!!
Trupla toktok stret.. Looks like this mix race bastard dont have respect for png.
ReplyDeleteDo we want a Fijian situation in png.
I propose a complience inquiry by the new Government to audit frm 2.08.11 and see whether legistlators, independant Const'l offices, GG,Govt Depts, OC,Def, Police, beaurecrats complied with each of their functions/duties under the Constitution and the laws. All those that are guilty of disregarding the Const should be given the 10 year prescribed jail term. O'Namah, Marat, Maladina, Ogio, Kulunga, Agwi, Zurenuoc etc must account for their actions.
ReplyDelete