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Showing posts from May, 2012

TRUTH HAS BEEN MOMENTARILY SUSPENDED

People ask me how the politicians can do this or that. “What does the law say about this and that?” Before I answer I say, “the law doesn’t seem to matter anymore...but I’ll just try tell you what it says...” Is the law relevant anymore? We got people who make their own laws and amend and follow them as we go along. The true law, the Constitution, doesn't matter to them anymore. They're a law unto themselves. They are collectively now "The King"...they make the rules, interpret the rules, execute the rules...and they break it whenever it suits them. I can explain the law till I'm blue in the face. But if it's lost its authority to a group of whimsical men then what's the use? And if we are content to say "let it go, it's all good", then why should anyone be subjected to the law in the future? It has no authority except the authority we give it. Now isn’t it true that all we need is majority decision and we can do anything? No matter how unlaw

TRUTH HAS BEEN MOMENTARILY SUSPENDED

People ask me how the politicians can do this or that. “What does the law say about this and that?” Before I answer I say, “the law doesn’t seem to matter anymore...but I’ll just try tell you what it says...” Is the law relevant anymore? We got people who make their own laws and amend and follow them as we go along. The true law, the Constitution, doesn't matter to them anymore. They're a law unto themselves. They are collectively now "The King"...they make the rules, interpret the rules, execute the rules...and they break it whenever it suits them. I can explain the law till I'm blue in the face. But if it's lost its authority to a group of whimsical men then what's the use? And if we are content to say "let it go, it's all good", then why should anyone be subjected to the law in the future? It has no authority except the authority we give it. Now isn’t it true that all we need is majority decision and we can do anything? No matter how unlaw

O'Neill elected for "Commonwealth record" third time as "PM"

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Record breaking desperados? May 30 (Reuters) - Papua New Guinea's parliament endorsed on Wednesday Peter O'Neill as prime minister for the third time in a bid to resolve a long-running crisis over the leadership of the resource-rich South Pacific nation. However, a PNG expert said the vote for O'Neill was probably illegal as parliament had already been suspended and writs have been issued for national elections in June. At a special sitting, O'Neill was elected unopposed as prime minister by 56 of the 109 members of parliament. Prime ministerial rival Michael Somare and his supporters boycotted the vote. But Australian National University professor Ron May said the parliamentary gathering had no legal standing. "The parliamentary meeting today was a bit of a circus," May told Australian television. "The writs for the election have been issued, the parliament has been prorogued, so a meeting of the parliament has no standing." PNG, an often volatile

O'Neill elected for "Commonwealth record" third time as "PM"

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Record breaking desperados? May 30 (Reuters) - Papua New Guinea's parliament endorsed on Wednesday Peter O'Neill as prime minister for the third time in a bid to resolve a long-running crisis over the leadership of the resource-rich South Pacific nation. However, a PNG expert said the vote for O'Neill was probably illegal as parliament had already been suspended and writs have been issued for national elections in June. At a special sitting, O'Neill was elected unopposed as prime minister by 56 of the 109 members of parliament. Prime ministerial rival Michael Somare and his supporters boycotted the vote. But Australian National University professor Ron May said the parliamentary gathering had no legal standing. "The parliamentary meeting today was a bit of a circus," May told Australian television. "The writs for the election have been issued, the parliament has been prorogued, so a meeting of the parliament has no standing." PNG, an often volat

PNG's top job up for grabs again

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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 th

PNG's top job up for grabs again

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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

Poll must end PNG stand-off, says Governor-General Michael Ogio

AS the stoush between Papua New Guinea's government and its judiciary - which has triggered the parliamentary move for a state of emergency - continues to hold centre stage in Port Moresby, the rest of the country is already seized by election fever. Governor-General Michael Ogio was originally appointed with the backing of the government of Michael Somare, but six months ago he endorsed the legitimacy of Peter O'Neill's government. He has now refused to authorise either the state of emergency or any further parliamentary sittings. The Governor-General's advice to all political requests, his spokesman told AAP, was: "Go to the election." Sir Michael was due to leave PNG last night , however, to attend the Queen's jubilee celebrations and the Speaker, Jeffrey Nape, usually stands in for him. Mr Nape is a strong supporter of the O'Neill government and would provide any formal authorisation needed. Last Friday, parliament approved a state of emergency for

Poll must end PNG stand-off, says Governor-General Michael Ogio

AS the stoush between Papua New Guinea's government and its judiciary - which has triggered the parliamentary move for a state of emergency - continues to hold centre stage in Port Moresby, the rest of the country is already seized by election fever. Governor-General Michael Ogio was originally appointed with the backing of the government of Michael Somare, but six months ago he endorsed the legitimacy of Peter O'Neill's government. He has now refused to authorise either the state of emergency or any further parliamentary sittings. The Governor-General's advice to all political requests, his spokesman told AAP, was: "Go to the election." Sir Michael was due to leave PNG last night , however, to attend the Queen's jubilee celebrations and the Speaker, Jeffrey Nape, usually stands in for him. Mr Nape is a strong supporter of the O'Neill government and would provide any formal authorisation needed. Last Friday, parliament approved a state of emergency for

Second Judge Arrested!

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A second judge of Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court has been arrested on charges of sedition as police call for an end to political tensions. Justice Nicholas Kirriwom was arrested at Waigani national court today. It is understood he was quietly led by police into his chambers, where he is now being interviewed. Police spokesman Dominic Kakas said Justice Kirriwom, one of three judges who ruled today for a second time that Sir Michael Somare is the nation's legitimate prime minister, is likely to be charged with sedition. "He's being arrested and interviewed," Kakas said. "He will be charged with sedition." Today's ruling is disputed because two judges - Deputy Chief Justice Gibbs Salika and Justice Bernard Sakora - abstained on ethical grounds. Justice Kirriwom is also believed to be the author of an email allegedly sent in February to other judges in which he referred to the government of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill as illegal. Government MPs h

Second Judge Arrested!

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A second judge of Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court has been arrested on charges of sedition as police call for an end to political tensions. Justice Nicholas Kirriwom was arrested at Waigani national court today. It is understood he was quietly led by police into his chambers, where he is now being interviewed. Police spokesman Dominic Kakas said Justice Kirriwom, one of three judges who ruled today for a second time that Sir Michael Somare is the nation's legitimate prime minister, is likely to be charged with sedition. "He's being arrested and interviewed," Kakas said. "He will be charged with sedition." Today's ruling is disputed because two judges - Deputy Chief Justice Gibbs Salika and Justice Bernard Sakora - abstained on ethical grounds. Justice Kirriwom is also believed to be the author of an email allegedly sent in February to other judges in which he referred to the government of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill as illegal. Government MPs

BUSINESSMAN Vs The MEDIA GOVERNOR

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HE is better known in the Morobe political and business circles but the day had to arrive when Mathew Minape decided he will return to the land of his ancestors – Enga – for the big one. Minape hopes to end the unbroken run of “action governor” Peter Ipatas in the Enga regional seat. His message to the people is simple: “When Engans do not vote for Ipatas, they are saving the future of Enga.” The Lae-based Enga businessman is confident of causing a major upset in the election and has named Ipatas as his enemy number one, labelling him the “media governor”. He said Ipatas used the media in particular EMTV and other print media to replay his outdated education programme for his own political gain. Minape challenged the main media organisations to be balanced and report fairly. He asked the media to visit places such as Kompiam, Kandep and Porgera where road infrastructure and law and order were deteriorating. “There is no basic medicine at Laiagam and Kandep health centres. “There

BUSINESSMAN Vs The MEDIA GOVERNOR

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HE is better known in the Morobe political and business circles but the day had to arrive when Mathew Minape decided he will return to the land of his ancestors – Enga – for the big one. Minape hopes to end the unbroken run of “action governor” Peter Ipatas in the Enga regional seat. His message to the people is simple: “When Engans do not vote for Ipatas, they are saving the future of Enga.” The Lae-based Enga businessman is confident of causing a major upset in the election and has named Ipatas as his enemy number one, labelling him the “media governor”. He said Ipatas used the media in particular EMTV and other print media to replay his outdated education programme for his own political gain. Minape challenged the main media organisations to be balanced and report fairly. He asked the media to visit places such as Kompiam, Kandep and Porgera where road infrastructure and law and order were deteriorating. “There is no basic medicine at Laiagam and Kandep health cen

Commonwealth’s Secretary-General calls on PNG to respect rule of law

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The Commonwealth bloc of nations has called on Papua New Guinea to respect the rule of law and the judiciary’s independence after its chief justice was charged with sedition. The Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma urged restraint in a country embroiled in a messy political deadlock where both Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and former prime minister Sir Michael Somare have declared themselves the rightful leader. On Monday the Supreme Court ruled for the second time that Mr O’Neill’s rise to power while Sir Michael was recovering from illness was illegal and that he should be reinstated. Mr O’Neill claimed the judiciary was biased and rejected the decision, leading Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah and 10 police to storm the court Thursday and arrest Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia. Papua New Guinea police confirmed Sir Salamo had been charged with sedition and appeared in court Friday morning. Later on Friday, reports also came in that a group of about 20 police had blocked t

Commonwealth’s Secretary-General calls on PNG to respect rule of law

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The Commonwealth bloc of nations has called on Papua New Guinea to respect the rule of law and the judiciary’s independence after its chief justice was charged with sedition. The Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma urged restraint in a country embroiled in a messy political deadlock where both Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and former prime minister Sir Michael Somare have declared themselves the rightful leader. On Monday the Supreme Court ruled for the second time that Mr O’Neill’s rise to power while Sir Michael was recovering from illness was illegal and that he should be reinstated. Mr O’Neill claimed the judiciary was biased and rejected the decision, leading Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah and 10 police to storm the court Thursday and arrest Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia. Papua New Guinea police confirmed Sir Salamo had been charged with sedition and appeared in court Friday morning. Later on Friday, reports also came in that a group of about 20 police h

GG stays put

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Papua New Guinea's governor-general has washed his hands of both sides of the nation's political dispute, with his office saying he will not sign any documents until a government is formed after the election. A senior member of the office of Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio says the head of state has refused to sign any documents presented by parliamentary elected prime minister Peter O'Neill or from his court-appointed rival for the top job, Sir Michael Somare. The spokesman says the governor-general has also refused to sign an instrument recalling parliament for a special sitting last week in which the government voted for a state of emergency in three provinces including the capital, Port Moresby "No documents have been received by the governor-general and that includes the state of emergency (declared by parliament on Friday)," the spokesman, who declined to be named, told AAP on Sunday. He said Sir Michael Ogio had refused to sign the document approving Frid

GG stays put

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Papua New Guinea's governor-general has washed his hands of both sides of the nation's political dispute, with his office saying he will not sign any documents until a government is formed after the election. A senior member of the office of Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio says the head of state has refused to sign any documents presented by parliamentary elected prime minister Peter O'Neill or from his court-appointed rival for the top job, Sir Michael Somare. The spokesman says the governor-general has also refused to sign an instrument recalling parliament for a special sitting last week in which the government voted for a state of emergency in three provinces including the capital, Port Moresby "No documents have been received by the governor-general and that includes the state of emergency (declared by parliament on Friday)," the spokesman, who declined to be named, told AAP on Sunday. He said Sir Michael Ogio had refused to sign the document approving

PNG calls state of emergency in capital

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PAPUA New Guinea MPs have voted to declare a state of emergency in the nation's capital after rogue police officers surrounded Parliament House. If adopted, the emergency rule would give increased powers to PNG's police commissioner to arrest and detain. The leader of government business, Moses Maladina, put the motion yesterday at a special sitting of Parliament and it is expected to come into force today. The government also voted to reject the decision of three Supreme Court judges to reinstate Sir Michael Somare as the nation's leader. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said cabinet would meet last night to prepare advice for Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio, who must approve the state of emergency. Mr O'Neill said the state of emergency would be extended to trouble spots such as the Southern Highlands and Hela province, site of a multibillion-dollar liquefied natural gas project. ''This has never happened in our country since the Sandline crisis of 1996,'

PNG calls state of emergency in capital

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PAPUA New Guinea MPs have voted to declare a state of emergency in the nation's capital after rogue police officers surrounded Parliament House. If adopted, the emergency rule would give increased powers to PNG's police commissioner to arrest and detain. The leader of government business, Moses Maladina, put the motion yesterday at a special sitting of Parliament and it is expected to come into force today. The government also voted to reject the decision of three Supreme Court judges to reinstate Sir Michael Somare as the nation's leader. Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said cabinet would meet last night to prepare advice for Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio, who must approve the state of emergency. Mr O'Neill said the state of emergency would be extended to trouble spots such as the Southern Highlands and Hela province, site of a multibillion-dollar liquefied natural gas project. ''This has never happened in our country since the Sandline crisi

Australia urges restraint as PNG judge arrested

Australia urged restraint on Thursday in Papua New Guinea after police arrested the country's chief justice and attempted to charge him with sedition. The poverty-stricken but hugely resource-rich country has been stuck in a political impasse for months with the Supreme Court ruling again this week that Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's rise to power was illegal. It said veteran leader Sir Michael Somare should be reinstated. O'Neill claimed the judiciary was biased and rejected the decision, which led Thursday to Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah and 10 police storming into the court to arrest Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia. ABC radio reported from the capital Port Moresby that after more than two hours of negotiations, police escorted Injia to a courtroom for a formal interview. Assistant commissioner Thomas Eluh said he expected to charge him with sedition after Namah warned Injia and two other judges who handed down this week's ruling they should resi

Australia urges restraint as PNG judge arrested

Australia urged restraint on Thursday in Papua New Guinea after police arrested the country's chief justice and attempted to charge him with sedition. The poverty-stricken but hugely resource-rich country has been stuck in a political impasse for months with the Supreme Court ruling again this week that Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's rise to power was illegal. It said veteran leader Sir Michael Somare should be reinstated. O'Neill claimed the judiciary was biased and rejected the decision, which led Thursday to Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah and 10 police storming into the court to arrest Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia. ABC radio reported from the capital Port Moresby that after more than two hours of negotiations, police escorted Injia to a courtroom for a formal interview. Assistant commissioner Thomas Eluh said he expected to charge him with sedition after Namah warned Injia and two other judges who handed down this week's ruling they should

Whats Happening here.

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FOUR candidates including Governor Sir Julius Chan have so far nominated to contest the New Ireland Regional Seat. Sir Julius nominated last Friday under the Peoples Progress Party banner which was witnessed by thousands of people who gathered at the Kavieng District Office. Armed with a traditional spear and a beautifully decorated headdress, Sir Julius went in to nominate accompanied by former Prime Minister and candidate for the Western Highlands Regional Seat Paias Wingti, PPP Candidate for the Kavieng Open Seat Ben Micah and PPP National President Brown Sinamoi. Traditional singsing groups from all over the province were also present to entertain the crowd and celebrate Sir Julius’ nomination. Speeches were made soon after his nomination followed by more traditional dances. Mr Wingti was also able to close the Council of Elders meeting that was held in Kavieng and attended by 180 elders from around the province. New Ireland Electoral Manager Edward Konu said the other three candid

O'NAMAH ATTEMPTS TO ARREST CHIEF JUSTICE

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Papua New Guinea's chief justice Sir Salamo Injia is hiding in his chambers after the deputy prime minister tried to have him arrested. It is believed Sir Salamo has been negotiating with police from his chambers for more than two hours. Police now seem prepared to interview him there rather than arrest him and take him to a police station, charge him with sedition and then release him on bail. The ABC was able to speak to Sir Salamo a short time ago. He says he has yet to decide whether he will partake in an interview with police. He also says he fears for his safety and for democracy in PNG. On Tuesday, deputy prime minister Beldan Namah warned Sir Salamo and two other judges they had to resign within 24 hours or they would be arrested and charged with sedition. That followed the supreme court's decision on Monday that upheld an earlier ruling ordering Sir Michael Somare be reinstated as prime minister. This afternoon Mr Namah carried through on his threats when he and a grou

O'NAMAH ATTEMPTS TO ARREST CHIEF JUSTICE

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Papua New Guinea's chief justice Sir Salamo Injia is hiding in his chambers after the deputy prime minister tried to have him arrested. It is believed Sir Salamo has been negotiating with police from his chambers for more than two hours. Police now seem prepared to interview him there rather than arrest him and take him to a police station, charge him with sedition and then release him on bail. The ABC was able to speak to Sir Salamo a short time ago. He says he has yet to decide whether he will partake in an interview with police. He also says he fears for his safety and for democracy in PNG. On Tuesday, deputy prime minister Beldan Namah warned Sir Salamo and two other judges they had to resign within 24 hours or they would be arrested and charged with sedition. That followed the supreme court's decision on Monday that upheld an earlier ruling ordering Sir Michael Somare be reinstated as prime minister. This afternoon Mr Namah carried through on his threats when he and a gr

RECALL OF PARLIAMENT IS TO SAVE NAMAH & ONEILL's ARSES- IT IS NOT LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT BUSINESS.

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Friends of this site and fellow citizens, some of us have been saying all along that the ONeill-Namah government is illegitimate. The Supreme Court 12th December 2011 has determined (in discharging its role as the Court of Justice & the one and only body charged by the Constitution with the role to interpret the Constitution and the law) that the PM's seat was not vacant prior to, on and after 2nd August 2011. That Somare was the legitimate PM. The legislature and the Executive government should take their cue from that, and in the interest of good government, right thinking Leaders should comply, as a mark of respect for the courts and the law of the land. They should have demonstrated to the nation and the world at large that here we have a democracy where the rule of law prevails and that even our Leaders are not above the law. In fact ONeill & Namah would still be in government had they listened to Sir Arnold Amet who made a peace offer for the sake of good  government

RECALL OF PARLIAMENT IS TO SAVE NAMAH & ONEILL's ARSES- IT IS NOT LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT BUSINESS.

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Friends of this site and fellow citizens, some of us have been saying all along that the ONeill-Namah government is illegitimate. The Supreme Court 12th December 2011 has determined (in discharging its role as the Court of Justice & the one and only body charged by the Constitution with the role to interpret the Constitution and the law) that the PM's seat was not vacant prior to, on and after 2nd August 2011. That Somare was the legitimate PM. The legislature and the Executive government should take their cue from that, and in the interest of good government, right thinking Leaders should comply, as a mark of respect for the courts and the law of the land. They should have demonstrated to the nation and the world at large that here we have a democracy where the rule of law prevails and that even our Leaders are not above the law. In fact ONeill & Namah would still be in government had they listened to Sir Arnold Amet who made a peace offer for the sake of good  govern