PNGBLOGS

The O'Neill group on the steps of Parliament this morning. Speaker Jeffrey Nape, has recognized Peter O'Neill as Prime Minister and Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, declared as an ordinary citizen. Mr Nape stated this, as Parliament resumed this morning, with only the O'Neill/Namah group in the House, with the Opposition side empty and less than 10 M-Ps seated in the middle benches. M-Ps are debating the National Budget. Security is tight at Parliament, with the public disallowed from watching today's proceedings. Meantime, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and his Cabinet, are in a meeting with a member of the group saying, they hope to be sworn in later this afternoon. He says, the Governor-General is aware of the court orders which are explicit and is preparing the swearing-in instruments to be signed. The Head Of State, Sir Michael Ogio, has sought independent legal advice on the turn of events yesterday, after the Supreme Court reinstated Sir Michael Somare as th

The O'Neill group on the steps of Parliament this morning. Speaker Jeffrey Nape, has recognized Peter O'Neill as Prime Minister and Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, declared as an ordinary citizen. Mr Nape stated this, as Parliament resumed this morning, with only the O'Neill/Namah group in the House, with the Opposition side empty and less than 10 M-Ps seated in the middle benches. M-Ps are debating the National Budget. Security is tight at Parliament, with the public disallowed from watching today's proceedings. Meantime, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and his Cabinet, are in a meeting with a member of the group saying, they hope to be sworn in later this afternoon. He says, the Governor-General is aware of the court orders which are explicit and is preparing the swearing-in instruments to be signed. The Head Of State, Sir Michael Ogio, has sought independent legal advice on the turn of events yesterday, after the Supreme Court reinstated Sir Michael Somare

From the Masalai Blog In what seemed like the most frantic evening I’ve ever experienced on a computer, it was crazy. We had a host of shinanigans at the gates of the newly weds and it appeared that the Governor General and his wife may not have been in the mood to entertain such rude guests at that hour, (and during their honeymoon no doubt). So I started a post on Sharp Talk about the Somare groups festivities beginning at the Ela Beach hotel to celebrate the court decision going in their favour. This was in the afternoon sometime. Then the race was on as Grand Chief and O’Neill went racing down to Government House to get the Governor General’s blessings. After gun shots were reported then things went crazy, we had reporters saying O’Neill had just been sworn in and on the other hand we had people saying Somare was inside but had locked out O’Neill. So for two hours frantic comments were piling up in Sharp Talk and Twitter about who was doing what to who. Finally Liam Fox

From the Masalai Blog In what seemed like the most frantic evening I’ve ever experienced on a computer, it was crazy. We had a host of shinanigans at the gates of the newly weds and it appeared that the Governor General and his wife may not have been in the mood to entertain such rude guests at that hour, (and during their honeymoon no doubt). So I started a post on Sharp Talk about the Somare groups festivities beginning at the Ela Beach hotel to celebrate the court decision going in their favour. This was in the afternoon sometime. Then the race was on as Grand Chief and O’Neill went racing down to Government House to get the Governor General’s blessings. After gun shots were reported then things went crazy, we had reporters saying O’Neill had just been sworn in and on the other hand we had people saying Somare was inside but had locked out O’Neill. So for two hours frantic comments were piling up in Sharp Talk and Twitter about who was doing what to who. Finally L

Back in old job. The new interim Cabinet announced by the Restored Government of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare is: Sam Abal (Deputy PM & Immigration), Patrick Pruaich (Treasury, Finance & State Owned Enterprises), Sir Arnold Amet (Attorney-General & Public Service), Sasa Zibe (Health & Inter-Government Relations), Timothy Bonga (Forestry & Internal Security), James Marape (Education, National Planning & Rural Development), Benjamin Poponawa (Transport and Civil Aviation), Philip Kikala (Agriculture and Livestock), Paru Ahi (Higher Education, Research Secience and Technology & Foreign Affairs and Trade), Fidelis Semos (Bougainville Affairs), Partick Tammur (Communication and Information), Francis Potape (Petroleum and Energy), Ben Semri (Fisheries & Commerce and Industry), Tony Aimo (Correctional Services & Lands and Physical Planning), Andrew Kumbakor (Housing and Urban Development), Philemon Embel (Sports &; Minister Assisting th

Back in old job. The new interim Cabinet announced by the Restored Government of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare is: Sam Abal (Deputy PM & Immigration), Patrick Pruaich (Treasury, Finance & State Owned Enterprises), Sir Arnold Amet (Attorney-General & Public Service), Sasa Zibe (Health & Inter-Government Relations), Timothy Bonga (Forestry & Internal Security), James Marape (Education, National Planning & Rural Development), Benjamin Poponawa (Transport and Civil Aviation), Philip Kikala (Agriculture and Livestock), Paru Ahi (Higher Education, Research Secience and Technology & Foreign Affairs and Trade), Fidelis Semos (Bougainville Affairs), Partick Tammur (Communication and Information), Francis Potape (Petroleum and Energy), Ben Semri (Fisheries & Commerce and Industry), Tony Aimo (Correctional Services & Lands and Physical Planning), Andrew Kumbakor (Housing and Urban Development), Philemon Embel (S

Somare back in as Prime Minister THE Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea is expected to issue contempt charges against Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, with a triumphant Sir Michael Somare saying he will present himself to the governor-general and take the oath of office. The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the election of Mr O'Neill to the prime ministership by a parliamentary vote of 70-24 on August 2 was unconstitutional and ordered Sir Michael resume the top job. In doing so, Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia indicated contempt charges will be laid against Mr O'Neill and his lawyer following a last ditch application on Friday to remove the three-year veteran of the Supreme Court before he had handed down his judgment. The Supreme Court is also expected to hand down a contempt judgment on Mr O'Neill's deputy PM Belden Namah and attorney-general Dr Alan Marat, after the pair tried to suspend the chief justice in November. The three to two decision by the five-man

Somare back in as Prime Minister THE Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea is expected to issue contempt charges against Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, with a triumphant Sir Michael Somare saying he will present himself to the governor-general and take the oath of office. The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the election of Mr O'Neill to the prime ministership by a parliamentary vote of 70-24 on August 2 was unconstitutional and ordered Sir Michael resume the top job. In doing so, Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia indicated contempt charges will be laid against Mr O'Neill and his lawyer following a last ditch application on Friday to remove the three-year veteran of the Supreme Court before he had handed down his judgment. The Supreme Court is also expected to hand down a contempt judgment on Mr O'Neill's deputy PM Belden Namah and attorney-general Dr Alan Marat, after the pair tried to suspend the chief justice in November. The three to two decision by the f

The night of 15 September 1975 - where was Sir Michael camping, what was he thinking and just who was with him? Papua New Guinean was united on that night and PANGU was the name, waiting for the dawn of a new nation. The old Davara hotel, what is now Ela beach is an old camping ground for the old man in POM ( not sure but that was where Sir Michael was on Nov 1 for Melbourne cup :)) Fast forward 37 years in Independent PNG politics, 3 heart surgeries, and about 4 successive terms as PM later....he is camping at Ela Beach still (some place which house whisphers of the past dont change). And this night/morning he is with his generals, some of whom has smeared his name and integrity. The nation is asleep with division and confusion. Yes he has some blood on his hands, unfinished business and bad decisions that led his children to fight amongst themselves and quarell with foreigners over land and resources. But oh he may be in his sick bed but his time is not yet up. Some of his children d

The night of 15 September 1975 - where was Sir Michael camping, what was he thinking and just who was with him? Papua New Guinean was united on that night and PANGU was the name, waiting for the dawn of a new nation. The old Davara hotel, what is now Ela beach is an old camping ground for the old man in POM ( not sure but that was where Sir Michael was on Nov 1 for Melbourne cup :)) Fast forward 37 years in Independent PNG politics, 3 heart surgeries, and about 4 successive terms as PM later....he is camping at Ela Beach still (some place which house whisphers of the past dont change). And this night/morning he is with his generals, some of whom has smeared his name and integrity. The nation is asleep with division and confusion. Yes he has some blood on his hands, unfinished business and bad decisions that led his children to fight amongst themselves and quarell with foreigners over land and resources. But oh he may be in his sick bed but his time is not yet up. Some of his child

Removed as MP but is he back? The Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea has given the O'Neill/Namah Government a major blow after it ruled this afternoon that the actions of the August the 2nd was unconstitutional and that there was no vacancy in the position of Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare. 3 out of 5 judges say there was no vacancy in PM's office and election of O'Neill was unconstitutional At this stage it is not sure what will happen to this government, whilst the court was in full bench ruling on the case, over at Parliament there was only one member of the opposition and the full government bench with the back-benchers debating the National Budget handed down last week. Reports are are sketchy at this stage but at this stage there is likely to be a show-down between the Judiciary and the Legislative brances of the government to interpret the ruling. In other developments, it was reported on overseas media that the Papua New Guinean government has passed a series of

Removed as MP but is he back? The Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea has given the O'Neill/Namah Government a major blow after it ruled this afternoon that the actions of the August the 2nd was unconstitutional and that there was no vacancy in the position of Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare. 3 out of 5 judges say there was no vacancy in PM's office and election of O'Neill was unconstitutional At this stage it is not sure what will happen to this government, whilst the court was in full bench ruling on the case, over at Parliament there was only one member of the opposition and the full government bench with the back-benchers debating the National Budget handed down last week. Reports are are sketchy at this stage but at this stage there is likely to be a show-down between the Judiciary and the Legislative brances of the government to interpret the ruling. In other developments, it was reported on overseas media that the Papua New Guinean government has passed a ser

*Supreme court has dismissed application to dismiss Chief Justice from challenge to govt.'s legitimacy. O'Neill appeals for calm, *There has been an amendment to the Prime Minister and NEC Act 2002 this morning in parliament, with retrospective effect, that effectively "legalizes" the August 2 removal and election of a new Prime Minister. CJ is still reading the decision on application by ESPG and has said that there was never a vacancy in the position of PM. Its now confirmed that Jeffrey Nape's actions were unconstitutional.  PNGFM Reports: Two judges from the 5 men bench have handed own their decision the East Sepik Provincial Court Reference. Chief Justice, Sir Salamoa Injia has rules in favour of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare whilst Deputy Chief Justice, Gibbs Salika has ruled in favor of current Prime Minister, Peter ONIEL, Justice Bernard Sakora is now deliberating his decision at this moment. Meanwhile, the National and Supreme Court remain on lock down

*Supreme court has dismissed application to dismiss Chief Justice from challenge to govt.'s legitimacy. O'Neill appeals for calm, *There has been an amendment to the Prime Minister and NEC Act 2002 this morning in parliament, with retrospective effect, that effectively "legalizes" the August 2 removal and election of a new Prime Minister. CJ is still reading the decision on application by ESPG and has said that there was never a vacancy in the position of PM. Its now confirmed that Jeffrey Nape's actions were unconstitutional.  PNGFM Reports: Two judges from the 5 men bench have handed own their decision the East Sepik Provincial Court Reference. Chief Justice, Sir Salamoa Injia has rules in favour of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare whilst Deputy Chief Justice, Gibbs Salika has ruled in favor of current Prime Minister, Peter ONIEL, Justice Bernard Sakora is now deliberating his decision at this moment. Meanwhile, the National and Supreme Court remain

Sir Michael Somare is willing to serve as prime minister of Papua New Guinea again, but he says he's unsure if he'll run for his East Sepik electorate at the 2012 election. Sir Michael's comments on Sunday came as the government of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill obtained the signature of Governor-General Sir Michael Oglio on a document dismissing the political veteran from the seat he has held for 43 years. 'I am willing - I am willing to serve as prime minister again,' the 76-year-old Sir Michael told AAP. 'Although I do not know if I will run for East Sepik again. There is a lot to consider.' Sir Michael said he would not comment on the Supreme Court decision, due on Monday, that could return him to office if the five-man bench rules that Mr O'Neill was not constitutionally elected. The government on Sunday obtained the signature of the governor-general rescinding leave granted to Sir Michael to miss parliament in May while he was in Singapore underg

Sir Michael Somare is willing to serve as prime minister of Papua New Guinea again, but he says he's unsure if he'll run for his East Sepik electorate at the 2012 election. Sir Michael's comments on Sunday came as the government of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill obtained the signature of Governor-General Sir Michael Oglio on a document dismissing the political veteran from the seat he has held for 43 years. 'I am willing - I am willing to serve as prime minister again,' the 76-year-old Sir Michael told AAP. 'Although I do not know if I will run for East Sepik again. There is a lot to consider.' Sir Michael said he would not comment on the Supreme Court decision, due on Monday, that could return him to office if the five-man bench rules that Mr O'Neill was not constitutionally elected. The government on Sunday obtained the signature of the governor-general rescinding leave granted to Sir Michael to miss parliament in May while he was in Singap

PM..Alleged to have lied to Court Suspended Angoram MP Arthur Somare has claimed that the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is a "liar" and is referring him to the Ombudsman Commission. He is also referring Lawyer Philip Ame to the Law Society for perpetuating a "lie" in court. Somare was bemused by the allegations that he secretly met with Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia at the Ela Beach Hotel on November 4. “The action of Peter O’Neill is an action of a desperate man who is handing by the skin of his tooth to be in power.” “I believe in the rule of law and I believe the court will make a decision"  Somare said it was unbecoming of a leader lying in the face of the Supreme Court. “Politics you can play with me but do not tarnish the name of the Chief Justice," he said. "He is too big to drag his name down. “This is total lie as I do not drink, play pokies or stay up late at hotels and night clubs. “I believe in the rule of law and I believe the court will

PM..Alleged to have lied to Court Suspended Angoram MP Arthur Somare has claimed that the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is a "liar" and is referring him to the Ombudsman Commission. He is also referring Lawyer Philip Ame to the Law Society for perpetuating a "lie" in court. Somare was bemused by the allegations that he secretly met with Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia at the Ela Beach Hotel on November 4. “The action of Peter O’Neill is an action of a desperate man who is handing by the skin of his tooth to be in power.” “I believe in the rule of law and I believe the court will make a decision"  Somare said it was unbecoming of a leader lying in the face of the Supreme Court. “Politics you can play with me but do not tarnish the name of the Chief Justice," he said. "He is too big to drag his name down. “This is total lie as I do not drink, play pokies or stay up late at hotels and night clubs. “I believe in the rule of law and I b

PM O'Neill to know fate on Monday The Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea has delayed its decision on whether Prime Minister Peter O'Neill legally took over from Sir Michael Somare, after a last ditch attempt to remove the chief justice. Extra police had been flown in from across PNG to provide extra security for the expected constitutional decision, which could see a return of Sir Michael to the prime ministership. There were no reports of violence after the surprise adjournment, which postponed the verdict until Monday. Mr O'Neill's lawyer, Philip Ame, presented an application to have Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia disqualified from delivering the verdict. Armed with affidavits from three Port Moresby men, Mr Ame alleged Sir Salamo had met with Sir Michael's son, dumped MP Arthur Somare. At the outset of the hearing, Sir Salamo said the affidavits would not be considered. "It is a lie, Mr Ame," he said. "While reading the statements you can take it th

PM O'Neill to know fate on Monday The Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea has delayed its decision on whether Prime Minister Peter O'Neill legally took over from Sir Michael Somare, after a last ditch attempt to remove the chief justice. Extra police had been flown in from across PNG to provide extra security for the expected constitutional decision, which could see a return of Sir Michael to the prime ministership. There were no reports of violence after the surprise adjournment, which postponed the verdict until Monday. Mr O'Neill's lawyer, Philip Ame, presented an application to have Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia disqualified from delivering the verdict. Armed with affidavits from three Port Moresby men, Mr Ame alleged Sir Salamo had met with Sir Michael's son, dumped MP Arthur Somare. At the outset of the hearing, Sir Salamo said the affidavits would not be considered. "It is a lie, Mr Ame," he said. "While reading the statements y

Today the Papua New Guinea High Court will hand down a judgment determining the constitutional validity of the PNG government led by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill. If a negative decision is handed down - as many experts expect - the government of PNG could become unworkable. This would be especially unfortunate because the O'Neill government has shown signs of addressing serious governance failures that have plagued the country for more than 30 years. These failures have led some observers to think that PNG may be becoming a failed state. The omens are all there: escalating crime rates (including murder, drunken violence, illicit drugs, prostitution, burglary, carjacking); horrific violence directed at women (rapes, bashings, torture, killings); some of the worst maternal and infant mortality rates in the world; plunging literacy rates; collapsed health and education systems; endemic tribal warfare in the Highlands; land grabs by foreigners; unsustainable explo

Today the Papua New Guinea High Court will hand down a judgment determining the constitutional validity of the PNG government led by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill. If a negative decision is handed down - as many experts expect - the government of PNG could become unworkable. This would be especially unfortunate because the O'Neill government has shown signs of addressing serious governance failures that have plagued the country for more than 30 years. These failures have led some observers to think that PNG may be becoming a failed state. The omens are all there: escalating crime rates (including murder, drunken violence, illicit drugs, prostitution, burglary, carjacking); horrific violence directed at women (rapes, bashings, torture, killings); some of the worst maternal and infant mortality rates in the world; plunging literacy rates; collapsed health and education systems; endemic tribal warfare in the Highlands; land grabs by foreigners; unsustainable ex

Private meeting with CJ? The Chief Justice secretly' met with (Arthur) Somare " at Ela Beach Hotel at 2am on 4th November, 2011 while the Court case was proceeding at Waigani. It is reported on the front page of Post Courier today The Supreme Court will hear an application by Prime Minister, Peter O'Niell, seeking to remove the Chief Justice from presiding as Chairman of the Five-men Bench hearing the Special Reference, challenging the August formation of Government. The application to disqualify the Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia, was filed today by Mr. Mr. O'Niell's lawyer and was set to be heard this morning. This new twist in the case may delay the much anticipated ruling of the matter before the court. The high court was to make a ruling on the Reference today. The much anticipated ruling of the High Court on the Special Reference, will be stalled following this new application. Prime Minister Peter O'Neil as alleged an apprehension of bias on Chairman

Private meeting with CJ? The Chief Justice secretly' met with (Arthur) Somare " at Ela Beach Hotel at 2am on 4th November, 2011 while the Court case was proceeding at Waigani. It is reported on the front page of Post Courier today The Supreme Court will hear an application by Prime Minister, Peter O'Niell, seeking to remove the Chief Justice from presiding as Chairman of the Five-men Bench hearing the Special Reference, challenging the August formation of Government. The application to disqualify the Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia, was filed today by Mr. Mr. O'Niell's lawyer and was set to be heard this morning. This new twist in the case may delay the much anticipated ruling of the matter before the court. The high court was to make a ruling on the Reference today. The much anticipated ruling of the High Court on the Special Reference, will be stalled following this new application. Prime Minister Peter O'Neil as alleged an apprehension of bias