Konga sues paper over ‘selfie’

Source:The National,Wednesday August 12th, 2015

 THE executive chairman of the Border Development Authority has filed a defamation suit against The National, the National Executive Council, the State, a reporter and five persons, over a naked selfie which went viral on social media last month.

In his affidavit, Fred Konga claimed that on July 16, an unknown person uploaded on Facebook “an alleged indecent photograph which resembles myself”.

He said that on July 27, Gibson Kemo published an alleged indecent photograph resembling him (Konga) on Facebook and entitled it “Selfie of the year award”. He further said that on July 29:

• Sonja Barry Ramoi published a photograph “purportedly of myself” on her Facebook page known as “PNG News” and entitled it “Naked selfie goes viral”;
• Bonda Panda published another photograph allegedly resembling him in a post to PNG News;
• Johnny Young published an indecent photograph allegedly of Konga sitting at an unknown location;
• Darius August published a photo of Konga, his wife and daughter which “drew negative comments about my family and my career”;
• Isabella Tauri published an alleged indecent photograph purportedly of him with the following comments – “Fred Konga denied the selfie and said it was photoshopped. See here the star of nudity holding a high PNG government office.”

Kemo, Ramoi, Young, August and Tauri have been named as first defendants.

Konga named Clifford Faiparik of The National as second defendant.

He argued that Faiparik did not consult him before writing his articles which referred to a “head of a government agency”.

The first article appeared on July 29. Three more articles appeared subsequently before Konga called a press conference on Aug 6 where he said that the photographs were “reconstructed” to hurt his character and the Border Development Authority.

In his affidavit, filed on Aug 8, Konga said he believed that the Executive Ministerial Appointment committee and the minister responsible for the Border Development Authority had recommended to Cabinet to suspend or terminate his employment over the matter.

He claimed he was never given any opportunity to defend himself. Konga’s counsel is seeking an interim restraining order against the six persons and The National from publishing “any alleged naked photographs taken by the plaintiff of himself”, any articles and comment in connection with the matter pending the court’s decision.

He wants the National Executive Council and the State, named fourth and fifth defendants, be restrained from making any decision on Konga’s position as executive chairman of the authority.

The motion is to be heard by the Waigani National Court on Friday.

The ONeil Dion Cabinet

Ex-NA members criticise party

Source: The National, Thursday 10th May 2012

GRAND Chief Sir Michael Somare’s National Alliance Party got a verbal bashing from its former members during the Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party campaign launch in Lae.
Don Polye, T.H.E Party leader and national treasurer, was joined by his deputy party leaders Madang Governor James Gau and Western Highlands Governor Tom Olga to address supporters at the Niall Oval in Eriku.
The event also saw a Sepik singsing group participating with a crocodile dance – seen as an attack on the NA party whose stronghold is the Momase region.
The leaders despite having respect for Sir Michael, said they were convinced to break away from the NA party because it was leading the government on bad advice.
Polye acknowledged Raicoast MP Gau for leading the breakaway.
He said he panicked a bit prior to exiting Sir Michael’s party “because NA was so powerful.”
He said Olga was a young and dynamic leader.
Gau said for 36 years, the country had different parties with different policies but the wealth of the nation was not shared properly resulting in an increase in poverty among the people.
Olga said the nation was at the crossroads and needed quality leaders.
He said for the past nine years, a person from Momase had been the prime minister.
Olga declared that Polye would become the next prime minister because he had been the deputy prime minister on two occasions.

PM: Decision on Tuesday

Source: The National, 01st March 2012

By JEFFREY ELAPA

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has told landowners camping outside Morauta Haus that he would make a decision on their money next Tuesday.
The landowners claimed they were owed funds under the memorandum of agreement, business development grants and infrastructure development grants.
They had been holding under siege the Morauta Haus and Vulupindi Haus in the past two week.
They claimed government ministers had been delaying the payment for too long.
Last Friday, the landowners stormed Morauta Haus after being misinformed that they were going to be paid on that day by Finance and Treasury Minister Don Polye.
But early this week, O’Neill removed the ministry from Polye, saying there would be a cabinet reshuffle soon.
He told the landowner leaders at his Morauta Haus office that they would be paid but he had to receive all submissions from the various departments before he could make a decision.
He would meet the leaders again on Tuesday to announce his decision.
But the landowners told him that all infrastructure development grants should be paid directly to them and to their respective provincial governments.
They wanted this done by Tuesday.
In another development, a group called from Hides asking O’Neill to consider the submissions endorsed by the developers and their partners who knew who the legitimate landowners were.
They alleged that there were many “paper landowners” in Port Moresby trying to claim funds belonging to the clans and warned the government to consider the submissions.
Ipuele Wap, the chairman of Ira Lama Aya Tamea and Chief Tayali Ola from the Tamea clan, said they were waiting for the payment in the village.
“Government must consider the cries of the landowners at home because we have never benefited from any government assistance even since the BP and Oil Search operated 20 years in the area.
“This is our first time, especially for the PDL 1 areas of the Hides LNG project. Therefore, we want the government to consider our application.”
They warned that many of the project activities were taking place on their land and if they missed out on the payments, they would take their land back.

Namah: Give me 12 months

Source: The National, 01st March 2012

By ISAAC NICHOLAS
DEPUTY Prime Minister Belden Namah has announced that parliament is looking at deferring the general election for 12 months to allow the government to fully implement its major po­licies.
He said if he had the support of the prime minister, he would use all his resources to ensure Peter O’Neill was returned as prime minister after the election.
Namah made the announcement yesterday at the Independence Oval in Vanimo in front of O’Neill and half his cabinet ministers plus members of parliament.
Namah had invited the national parliamentarians to West Sepik province for two days.
He said this in response to O’Neill’s address to hundreds of people that the government would be funding major projects in West Sepik totalling more than K140 million (see story, page 5).
The prime minister had earlier told the Sepik people: “We had to change the government and give it back to the people.
“We have introduced free education for a total cost of K700 million and have already front-loaded K300 million to all schools.
“We have sold the Falcon jet, which has been used as a private PMV and given the proceeds of that sale, K350 million, to the health sector. We have introduced basic free health care for our people.
“This government is people-focused and people-friendly. In seven months, we have shown our true colours compared to nine years of waste,” O’Neill said.
He said the government he led was for the people, not for one man or one family.
Namah, in reply, told his home crowd that he would use all available resources at his disposal to retain O’Neill as prime minister for a new five-year term after the general election.
He stressed that there was no guarantee that a new government would support the development package that the O’Neill-led government had introduced in the past seven months.
Namah said the Electoral Commission had failed the people, the national population census had failed and PNG needed a system for a fair, just election so that quality leaders were elected “instead of coming through the window”.
On O’Neill’s reference to the scheduled election, he warned: “You said to hold the election by April 27 this year and a new government comes in. The projects will not be implemented and the government policy of free education and free health care will be dismantled.
“This government must continue.
“How do you make a comparison between a government of nine years and government
of six months?
“The Electoral Commission has failed the people. The census has failed. We do not know how many people are in this country?
“There are a lot of mistakes in the common roll. For example, a ward in Koroba has 467 eligible voters and that number has soared to 4060. We must have been working very hard overnight.”
Namah said 40% of the roll had not been completed in the highlands region alone.
He said the new bio-metric system must be in place to ensure a fair and just election.
“The government has plans to delay the election for 12 months to fully implement government policies and ensuring a fair election.”

Sir Michael: All deals by O’Neill-Namah invalid

Source: The National,Friday 20 January 2012

GRAND Chief Sir Michael Somare says all dealings, including appointments by the O’Neill-Namah regime since Aug 2 last year, are invalid and not binding on the people of Papua New Guinea.
“All agreements, treaties, memoranda of understanding, contracts, appointments and undertakings given by the O’Neill-Namah regime since last Aug 2 are dealings by an illegitimate government and, therefore, invalid and not binding on the people of PNG,” he said.
“At the appropriate time in the near future, my government will review each of these agreements and dealings and ratify or strike out where necessary.
“It is important, however, that my government remains calm and does not act hastily and prejudice ongoing court proceedings.
“How can any investor, international or national, feel investments are safe if parliament and departmental heads intentionally ignore court orders?
“How can investors feel safe when knowing they can be thrown out of the country on the whim of politicians unable even to return and defend their assets before the courts? 
“We cannot deport people without due process of the law.”
Sir Michael said ministers of the illegal regime flew the Falcon jet to Asia on “personal business” carrying an international fugitive on board and attracted serious concerns about laundering hundreds of millions in cash without explaining the truth to the people.
“In fact, US$250 million could indeed be carried on the Falcon jet if needed,” he said.
“These illegal ministers threatened to expel diplomats to deflect attention from their own misdeeds. They expend K500 million from the state coffers to buy influence without proper legal approvals.
“All expenditure and procurements done by the O’Neill regime have not been made by a legitimate government. All appointments and sackings are invalid and, therefore, cannot be implemented.”
He said the state would not be bound by any deals done by an illegal regime.
“Companies and countries who seek to deal with this illegal regime must do so at their own risk.
“The Supreme Court decision of Dec 12 is available on the internet to everyone wishing to read the orders of the court.
“The courts have clearly ruled that the O’Neill-Namah regime is an illegal government.
“This is a challenging time for PNG.
“Over the years, I have known and seen the aspirations of many of the leaders and have tried to accommodate them and balance them against the interests of the nation.
“Today, it seems, the nation’s interest has been trampled by greed and self-interest.
 “This regime has broken down almost every government institution, including the judiciary, and is still adamantly continuing its reign of devastation.
“However, none of us should sit idly by and watch a rogue government destroy our proud nation in a matter of months.
“I call on the people of Papua New Guinea to join with me in being patient and calm and wait for the courts.”

Grand Chief: Barring MPs is dictatorial

Source: The National, January 20,  2012

BARRING members from entering parliament and threatening to arrest them is criminal and dictatorial, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare said yesterday.
He said he was shocked to learn that Prime Minister Peter O’Neill had threatened to order police to arrest him if he ventured near parliament again.
“This is the first time this has happened in 36 years of Independence,” Sir Michael said.
“Respect must be given to the house. No police has any right to stop me or any other member from entering the people’s parliament.”
He likened the presence of armed policemen at the entrances to parliament and the threats of arrest as a dictatorial act.
Nipa-Kutubu MP Philemon Embel agreed with Sir Michael.
“It is criminal to prevent an MP from performing his duties as a representative of the people,” he said.
Sir Michael said he went to parliament to serve the speaker the orders of the Supreme Court “since he seems unaware of it”.
“Yesterday (Wednesday), we went there to remind the speaker, who was an intervener, that there are explicit orders that he must comply with,’’ he said.
“Due notice was given to the speaker the previous day.
“He cannot tell us that he is unaware of the orders or that he does not understand anything.
“We have to be seen to do the right thing. We exercised our rights to enforce the orders.
“Now we want him (speaker) to grant us our seats on the government benches in parliament. O’Neill and his team can then use their numerical strength and section 145 of the Constitution to remove me. There is nothing wrong with that.”
That then is the Somare camp’s “way forward” from the political impasse that has had two camps claiming to be the legitimate government since the Supreme Court decision of Dec 12 which nullified O’Neill’s election on Aug 2.
The Somare group wanted Speaker Jeffrey Nape to grant them their seats on the government benches in parliament in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court and for the O’Neill group to then use its numerical strength to vote them out of office.
This suggestion mets with two obvious problems: Invoking section 145 means a motion of no confidence but the constitution forbids any such motions within 12 months of the general election, now a mere four months away.
Secondly, the speaker and the O’Neill camp are adamant that there is no vacancy in the government seating arrangements.
On his status as the regional member for East Sepik, Sir Michael said the court had reinstated him as MP. And, even if the O’Neill camp claimed to have removed him again, the process is not complete until it is declared so by the National Court, which alone has the powers to invalidate the membership of a member, he said.
That was confirmed by the Supreme Court decision (order No.3) which stated that the “National Court has exclusive jurisdiction as to whether the seat of a member has become vacant”.

O’Neill warns Somare of arrest

Source: The National,Thursday19 January 2012

By ISAAC NICHOLAS

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has warned that leaders who bring shame to parliament will face contempt of parliament charges.
“If (Sir Michael Somare) continues to disrupt parliament, he will be arrested.
“Sir Michael is not above the law,” O’Neill said yesterday following a surprise visit to the chamber by Sir Michael and a group of MPs.
O’Neill indicated that Speaker Jeffery Nape would tighten up security in parliament to ensure such a “disgraceful and shameful act is not repeated again”.
He made the comment after the Somare group promised to interrupt parliament for the rest of this month until they were allocated their “rightful” seats by Nape.
“I call on (Sir Michael Somare) to stop this act of desperation. He must respect the fact that he led the government with a majority and a lot of members have left because they no longer have faith in him,” O’Neill said.
He said parliament’s business was disrupted by “this shameful act and the Grand Chief must realise that he is no longer a member of parliament”.
He said suspended MP Arthur Somare was in the chamber too which was illegal.
“This kind of behaviour goes to show that they think they own this parliament,” O’Neill said.
“The general election is three months away and I ask them to go back to the people to seek their mandate.”
O’Neill said many MPs on the Somare side did not condone the antics in parliament yesterday.
“They are trying to sabotage parliament.
“They will be dealt with through the parliamentary process. I urge them to think before involving in such acts.”
O’Neill urged the two factions to work together, including getting one of Somare’s MPs to move a motion to rescind the motion to disqualify the Grand Chief for him to return to parliament.
He said the Supreme Court decision of Dec 12 had been superseded by events in parliament and, if the Grand Chief wanted to challenge that, “he can go back to court”.
“The acts played out on the floor of parliament are to get attention at any cost, even to the country.
“I am sure the speaker will make necessary security arrangements.”

Somare’s visit disrupts house

Source: The National, Thuresday 19th January 2012

By ISAAC NICHOLAS
THE row over who the legitimate government is came to a head in parliament yesterday after Sir Michael Somare made an unannounced appearance.
It triggered off a heated exchange of words with MPs loyal to Peter O’Neill as Sir Michael walked up to the speaker’s chair to deliver a copy of the Supreme Court order of Dec 12.
The court order had restored Sir Michael as prime minister.
The confrontation forced Deputy Speaker Francis Marus to suspend the sitting after he ordered Sir Michael to leave the parliamentary chamber.
The heated exchanges included one in which Kerowagi MP Guma Wau called Nawaeb MP Timothy Bonga a criminal. Wau pointed a finger at Bonga and challenged him to a fight. But he was stopped by other MPs.
Deputy Prime Minister Belden Namah shouted across the floor to remove the “stranger” (Sir Michael) who he claimed was no longer an MP.
The session started with the morning prayer and Question Time.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop was directing questions at Agriculture Minister Sir Puka Temu on the Trukai rice advertisement on another rice firm that wanted to take over a monopoly over rice production and supply.
It was then that Sir Michael and his group came into the chamber, stood at the back until Parkop completed his questions.
Sir Michael’s group of about 20 MPs then walked to the speaker’s chair where Sir Michael presented the court order.
Bulolo MP Sam Basil raised a point of order that there was a “stranger” on the floor. Sir Michael replied: “Who is the stranger?”
Sir Michael later told the media that the move was to petition the speaker to enforce the Supreme Court ruling in allocating his government members their rightful seats in parliament.
He said he was not a “stranger” after winning nine general elections and serving 44 uninterrupted years as the member for East Sepik.
On Tuesday afternoon, Sir Michael visited the Speaker of Parliament, Jeffery Nape, to urge him to comply with the Supreme Court order of Dec 12, 2011.
He said his group was making a point that they were MPs who should be allocated their rightful places in the house.
Sir Michael was accompanied by the referrer of the Supreme Court reference, East Sepik Governor Peter Wararu and a member of his constituency, Tony Aimo, into the parliamentary chamber.
He said his members merely followed parliamentary procedures by petitioning the acting speaker with the court order so that parliament could comply with.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill described the action of Sir Michael and his followers as “disgraceful and disrespectful”.
“There are a handful of MPs who stubbornly use the old man in that manner for their own political gain,” O’Neill said.
“You cannot serve court orders in parliament and it is disgraceful because parliament is a separate arm of government.”

Somare is evil, says Polye

Source: The National,Wednesday18 January 2012

FINANCE Minister Don Polye has described Sir Michael Somare as an “evil” man.
Polye, the Kandep MP, told reporters in Mt Hagen that Somare was good in destroying young vibrant leaders and suppressing them.
He claimed that Sir Michael used highlands leaders as the “perfect football to play around with” without the leaders themselves knowing.
He gave as an example of Wabag MP Sam Abal who Sir Michael had appointed as deputy prime minister. Likewise, he used Governor Anderson Agiru to try to destroy Peter O’Neill, Polye said.
Polye accused Sir Michael of blocking the late Sir Tei Abal, father of Sam Abal, from becoming prime minister even though he had the numbers.
He did the same thing to Sir Imbakey Okuk and other leaders from the highlands, Polye said.
“Cutting and chopping young leaders for hidden motives is undemocratic and evil.”
Polye warned those in the Somare camp that Sir Michael would not groom or mould a young vibrant leader to lead the country.
Polye wanted to destroy the evil in the National Alliance by de-registering the party and forming a new one

Allow us to take our rightful seats: Sir Michael

Source: News, Post Courier, January 17, 2012

Sir Michael Somare, says members of his faction will not attend Parliament which is set to sit from 2pm today unless he is accorded his rightful place.
And he added unless the Speaker of Parliament, Jeffery Nape, allocates his rightful seat to him “we cannot enter the chamber of Parliament.”
This is the latest indication from the Somare camp which has shield away from attending Parliament on the basis that the Supreme Court ruling of December 12, 2011 reinstating him has been blatantly defied by the O’Neill-Namah faction.
Sir Michael revealed this when explaining his government had been responsible for starting the process of getting women nominated and elected to parliament under the Equity and Participation Bill.
“It is also my government that enabled the creation of Hela and Jiwaka provinces and we will continue to push for the women’s reserve seats if the Speaker can comply by the court order and allow us to take our rightful place in the government benches on January 17, this year,” Sir Michael said,
“If the O’Neill regime is serious about women in Parliament, the Speaker must immediately comply with the Supreme Court order to allow me and my members to take our rightful place in the Government benches of Parliament.
“I call on the public especially women to recognise the theatrics of the regime.
“To date the rogue government of Mr O’Neill have been manipulating information, they have not complied with the orders of the Supreme Court and continue regularly to violate laws of this country.
“On one side they profess to rid the country of corruption and instil good governance yet their behaviour contradicts all this.”

O'Neill reveals plan to end PM dispute

Source: Pacific Beat speaks with Peter O'Neill, Created: Tue, 20 Dec 15:00:41 UTC+1000 2011

Peter O'Neill has spoken Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program. [ABC]

PNG's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says he intends to introduce legislative changes forcing PMs to retire at 72.
The political crisis appears to have eased with Mr O'Neill securing the support of the governor-general, most MPs, the public service, the police and the defence force.
However, his rival 75-year-old Sir Michael Somare said he's determined to be returned as prime minister.
Mr O'Neill has told Pacific Beat's Bruce Hill that won't be possible when the legislative changes are in place.
PNG's governor-general has met Peter O'Neill and his supporters, prompting speculation the leadership crisis is closer to being resolved.
In Parliament, Mr O'Neill announced that last week's suspension of Governor-General, Sir Michael Ogio had been lifted.
The speaker, Geoffrey Nape said Sir Michael Ogio had written a letter apologising for swearing in ministers loyal to the former prime minister, Sir Michael Somare last week.
Mr O'Neill and his supporters travelled to Government House on Monday afternoon to meet with the head of state.
A box of champagne was also taken inside.
Mr O'Neill said the meeting was a courtesy call to reconcile with the governor-general

Somare remains defiant

PNG correspondent Liam Fox reports from Port Moresby

Created: Tue, 20 Dec 14:46:48 UTC+1000 2011

Liam Fox, Campbell Cooney

  

The former Papua New Guinea prime minister Sir Michael Somare is refusing to relinquish his claim to the post, despite the seemingly unassailable position of his rival.
PNG's governor-general has met Peter O'Neill and his supporters, prompting speculation the leadership crisis is closer to being resolved.
In Parliament, Mr O'Neill announced that last week's suspension of Governor-General, Sir Michael Ogio had been lifted.
The speaker, Geoffrey Nape said Sir Michael Ogio had written a letter apologising for swearing at ministers loyal to the former prime minister, Sir Michael Somare last week.

Champagne

Mr O'Neill and his supporters travelled to Government House on Monday afternoon to meet with the head of state.
A box of champagne was also taken inside.
Mr O'Neill said the meeting was a courtesy call to reconcile with the governor-general.
Observers say Mr O'Neill has the support of a large number of the public, as well as the parliament.
But Sir Michael has remained defiant, saying he intended to become prime minister once more.

Next move

In an interview on Radio Australia's Pacific Beat, Sir Michael last week's Supreme Court judgement reinstating him meant he had the right to be prime minister again, with or without parliamentary support.
"The numbers in parliament is irrevelant when we have a Constitution which is supreme," Sir Michael said.
"We only have 40 members. With 40 members, we won't be able to pass anything."
But when pushed on the lack of support in Parliament, Sir Michael reacted angrily:
"Keep your distance. Report the facts that exist in our country.
"For god's sake! Know what you people are doing."

Strike action

Papua New Guinea's union movement withdrew its threat to call a strike amidst the political leadership confusion.
On Friday, PNG's Trade Union's Council announced the O'Neill and Somare political factions had 48 hours to end their fight, or it would send its members on strike.
But council president Michael Malabag said it was decided today to withdraw that ultimatum.
"If the union movement comes up with something drastic, it will only give an opportunity for others to use this for other means," he said.
Mr Malabag added that, with the holiday season approaching, many industries and offices shut down, which would make industrial action ineffective.

Leader spat

Meanwhile, PNG's top bureaucrat said the public service recognises Peter O'Neill as the country's legitimate prime minister.
Chief Secretary Manusupe Zurenuoc said he consulted both Mr O'Neill and Sir Michael before making his decision on who to follow.
Despite the Supreme Court's order that Sir Michael be reinstated as PM, Mr Zurenuoc says the majority rules in PNG.
He said Mr O'Neill has the control of cabinet and parliament; Sir Michael does not.
At a meeting of departmental heads on Monday, Mr Zurenuoc told them to meet the ministers appointed by Mr O'Neill, saying a lot of time and money has been wasted from events unfolding in the last week.
He has told the public service to get back to work.
ABC's Radio Australia has increased its shortwave broadcasts to Papua New Guinea to help inform people about developments in the PNG political crisis.
Between 0930 and 1700 Port Moresby time, an extra frequency, 17750 kHz, will be added to the broadcast services for PNG.

Peter O'Neil Sworn in as Prime Minister

Source: Papua New Guinea Blogs, http://www.pngblogs.com/, Monday, December 19, 2011

O'NEILL IS PRIME MINISTER

Namah and O'Neill sworn in as Legitimate Government

Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio has recognised Peter O'Neill as the legitimate Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.

In a surprising twist of events today, Sir Michael wrote a letter to O'Neill, which was read to Parlaiment today, saying how apologetic he was.  He said both sides must reconcile as soon as possible for the good of the country.

Following that, the O'Neill Cabinet quickly lifted its suspension of Sir Michael as Governor-General. 
O'Neill and his Cabinet are now at Government House meeting with Sir Michael.

Chief Secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc says he recognises Peter O'Neill as the legitimate prime minister of Papua New Guinea and not Sir Michael Somare.  Zurenuoc, who has met both O'Neill and Sir Michael, said while the Supreme Court has restored Sir Michael as prime minister, he did not have the numbers to rule.

"We accept the fact that the Supreme Court has restored Sir Michael Somare as Prime Minister," he said.
"However, in our system of government, the majority rules.  "Despite the court restoring Sir Michael, he is not in control of the government." Zurenuoc today had an urgent meeting with all his department secretaries regarding the current political impasse in PNG.  "I told them to get on with the job of running government," he said.

Photos: Graham Robinson

Governor-General recognises O'Neill as legitimate Prime Minister

Source: malumnalu.blogsot.com, Monday, December 19, 2011

Governor-General recognises O'Neill as legitimate Prime Minister

Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio has recognised Peter O'Neill as the legitimate Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.
In a surprising twist of events today, Sir Michael wrote a letter to O'Neill, which was read to Parlaiment today, saying how apologetic he was.
He said both sides must reconcile as soon as possible for the good of the country.
Following that, the O'Neill Cabinet quickly lifted its suspension of Sir Michael as Governor-General. 
O'Neill and his Cabinet are now at Government House meeting with Sir Michael.

Posted by Malum Nalu at 12/19/2011 05:07:00 PM

OGIO SWEARS IN O'NEILL AS PM

Source: Papua New Guinea Blogs, http://www.pngblogs.com/, Monday, December 19, 2011

OGIO SWEARS IN O'NEILL AS PM

SWORN IN; PETER O'NEILL AS PM

Ogio has been reinstated as GG by the O’Neill led Government. He is now swearing in the O’Neil-Namah Cabinet. It’s all wine pouring and smiles at Government House. Earlier, Yumi FM reports that Michael Ogio has written a letter to Parliament apologizing for swearing in the Somare faction. Parliament has responded by lifting his suspension

In other developments the Armed Robbery Response Unit (ARRU) set up by Fred Yakasa had surrendered arms and submitted to Toeam Kulunga on Firday. This was the police unit which responded and carried our orders from Fred Yakasa. These policemen stood guard on all State properties in the city of Port Moresby including the Government House where there was a stand-off between politicians and the police. When ARRU surrendered to Kulunga, Fred Yakasa saw it coming that he will be arrested soon and charged with the offence of Mutiny and for issuing illegal orders. Hence, he had no way to go to so went to the National Court and obtained Court Orders "restraining police from arresting him for leading a group of armed policemen to block the road to Government House.."
The case will be coming back to the National Court on Friday, 23rd December, 2011 for arguments on whether the interim orders obtained by Yakasa can be confirmed as substantive and further extended.

Abal ready to step down for the sake of people

Source: News, Post Courier, December 19, 2011

MEMBER for Wabag Sam Abal has called for dialogue and is prepared to let go the Deputy Prime Minister’s position he is holding in the Somare regime.
In an interview with the Post-Courier at his Konedobu residence yesterday, Mr Abal said his decision is for the sake of the people and the country as it would be careless for national leaders of this beautiful country, if they do not consider certain sacrifices on either side.
“The time has come for us leaders to humble ourselves and put God and Papua New Guinea first because there is a danger of unrest unless all political leaders immediately come to a dialogue and break-free this political impasse now facing the country.
“The country cannot have two Governor Generals, two Police Commissioners, two ministers and two departmental heads. This immediately creates factions so I thought time has come before anything escalates,” Mr Abal said.
Mr Abal said, “I am prepared to let got the deputy position and for a Ministry, and allow for Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare to be free to consider ways and means to engage with the other side”.
Asked if a grand coalition by the two regimes would be a possiblity, an ideal idea to put an end to this political deadlock, Mr Abal said, “Yes, that’s what I am saying. That’s the only way forward and I have discussed this with my people of Wabag and they have accepted to help the nation. I have spoken to Sir Michael of my decision.”
“I have also discussed with church leaders for them to assist in facilitating the dialogue prayerfully.
“I hope my fellow MPs can make a firm commitment of the same to ensure that the current staff off does not continue. With the future of PNG looking brighter than ever this is a dark mark in our nation’s short history,” he said.
Mr Abal said the current political situation in PNG has never happened before and requires us all to make certain considerations, including revolutionary ways to bring a peaceful solution - yes our elections may be shaky at times and our parliament sessions aggressive.
“However justice, unity and democracy have always prevailed in this God fearing land. On our side we feel that the Constitution is supreme.
“I am sure the other side will agree and come together for us all to defend the Constitution I make the plea to Mr O’Neill and other leaders to graciously come forward and engage with Sir Michael,” Mr Abal said.

View Point on Current PNG Political Tussel

Source: yutok, Post Courier, December 19, 2011

Desperate solutions

Parliament House is not just any ordinary house. This unique building, located in the heart of Port Moresby, was built soon after 16th September 1975, when we gained independence from Australia by the government for the people to look up to it as the symbol of PNG’s independence. And it has remained the pride and joy of all Papua New Guineans and it has been the seat of our democracy for many years now.
So it was shocking to learn that the Madang Regional MP, Sir Arnold Amet wrote to Patrick Pruaitch to get him to instruct PNG Power Limited to cut power and water supply to the Parliament House.
Sir Arnold and Pruaitch, both ministers in the Somare cabinet, directed the chief executive officer of PNG Power Ltd Tony Kiori to effect the instruction.
We find this not only absurd, it clearly demonstrate what men who are desperate for power can do to destroy institutions to get what they want. We thank God, for PNG Power Ltd, has more sense than we expected. It refused outright the request. Among the reasons given, the one that struck us as the most important is that the Parliament is the highest law making institution in our democracy and it should be protected at all cost. Power to Parliament House, however, can be chopped but this only happen in an emergency like floods, landslide, war, riots etc. There is none of that right now.
Talking about riots, wars and violence, we are thankful that Papua New Guineans have refrained from taking the law into their own hands at this thime. We know of threats that have been issued, like the threat from one or two people from the highlands who are threatening to block off the Highlands Highway to traffic but the threats have remain just that. In Port Moresby, the rally at Waigani on Thursday was peaceful. We applaud the police for doing an admirable job, even at a time when the force has come under considerable public scrutiny.
What we cannot understand, and we are sure, many other Papua New Guineans too, is the report that the Somare cabinet was trying to call out the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. We are told that the instrument was signed by the Parliament suspended Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio. Is there a need for the army to be call out? No! Not at all! We applaud the commonsense that has prevailed at Murray Barracks.
We believe that desperate measures are needed at desperate times like now but the disconnection of power and water to Parliament House and the move to call out the army to solve this political power struggle are not the best way to solve this crisis. At this time, the public servants, especially the departmental heads and heads of statutory bodies, are having the most terrible time. Who do they report to? It is not surprising that they are going from one camp to the other, reporting to both “governments” in order to keep their jobs.
We commend the PNGDF commander and the CEO of PNG Power for the brave decisions they have taken. We know it must be hard but at times like this, PNG requires people in top management positions to be sensible and we, as a country, are proud that we have some around now when we are going through one of the worst and serious constitutional crisis ever in the 36 years.

Grand Chief, let young leaders rule

ALLOW me to express my personal view on the current political turmoil PNG is facing.
Firstly, let me ask — what is the Chief — so-called the father of the nation fighting to achieve in the last three months before the national general election.
The Grand Chief, you have in the last 40 years of your political carrier, led PNG through all circumstances up until today and people of this nation are enjoying the results of what you have created. You have ed PNG into history.
You are PNG’s Nelson Mandela and you have done enough. In the process of your political career, while being the prime minister of this nation, you have been hit hard with your heart problem which contributed to your ageing factor and now we can see that you do not have any physical strength to rule this nation.
However, we are now confused why you are still fighting for power when you have done enough for PNG and also that you are ill and still in the recovery process?
What you could have done after the Supreme Court ruling of December 12, is that you should have declared to the people of this nation saying, thank you to the Supreme Court, you former ministers, ESP government, etc for their confidence in you and you should declare your retirement at that time.
You should have called all members to go into parliament, and do a fresh election for the prime minister. I believe there would not be any problem like today. This is the only way you would have maintained your popularity and retire as a hero.
However, you are still holding on to power. We do not believe you might contest the ESP regional in the coming election.
Your time is over from colonial era to present PNG. Chief, enough please. let the young leaders rule.

Talyeth Tange, Port Moresby

The country needs a change in leadership now

PAPUA New Guinea has a lot of respect for Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare for what he has done for the country to bring it to where it is now. He will go down in the history books as one of the fathers of the nation.
Having said that and with due respect, I think he has had his time. He is just way too old to run the country now and he knows that. It’s beyond commonsense why he is just too adamant to keep clinging onto power and not let the young and charismatic leaders (whom the Grand Chief himself has nurtured) to take over. A good example is Sir Julius Chan. To run a country is not ones birthrigth. The O’Neill–Namah government which was made up of young and vibrant leaders in the last four months have came up with very meaningful policies helpful to benefit and sustain daily lives of simple Papua New Guineans.
It played a major role in exposing and fighting corrupt practices, something which successive governments have lacked big time.
We need a change of leadership, a new government and creative people to bring this country to the level it deserves to be.

Stray 5ive
Sub - City

O’Neill supporters converge in thousands to stage rally in Chimbu

Source: The National, Monday 19th December 2011

By ZACHERY PER
HUNDREDS of people in Chimbu rallied in support of Peter O’Neill remaining prime minister.
They gathered in Kundiawa town in a public rally initiated by outspoken young leader Jack Upa to publicly show support for O’Neill.
Upa said the people of the six districts of Chimbu province backed O’Neill to take the country into the election next year. “We will wait patiently to see the O’Neill-Namah government reign,” he said. He said despite the court decision, “we will resort to use people’s power if the minority Somare faction insists on taking the Prime Minister’s chair”.
Upa, who led a similar public rally in Goroka early last week, was pleased to see people of all walks of life, including a good number of women, expressing their support for the O’Neill-Namah government.
Notable speaker Kagl Herman from Mingende, in Kerowagi district, said Sir Michael Somare must give a chance to O’Neill because he was a vibrant, young leader.
“We want a right prime minister to distribute the earnings from the wealth of the country to the people,” he said. “We are fed up with the Somare regime, we had enough; enough is enough,” Herman said. He said earnings from Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project and all other revenue for the country must be distributed among the people.
Herman said the O’Neill-Namah government had demonstrated this by putting out a 2012 national budget that targeted the poor.
“We have seen the O’Neill team prove to be a reliable government,” Herman said.

Kulunga ‘lays off’ police response unit

Source: The National, Monday 19th December 2011

By JUNIOR UKAHA
THE Port Moresby-based armed robbery response unit (ARRU), which was under the command of Fred Yakasa, was disarmed by his rival Tom Kulunga last Friday.
Kulunga said the move was necessary to “maintain a good public perception” of the constabulary.
He said the unit was not being disbanded but simply stood-down until the political upheaval was resolved.
Kulunga said once that happened the unit would be re-commissioned.
“Your guns and vehicles will be returned to you at a later date,” he said.
“The conflict is not in the police force but between two political groups,” he said.
“But some people happen to be caught in between.”
Kulunga insisted he was the legitimate commissioner and warned members of the police force not to take advice from non-commissioned officers.
“There’s only one commissioner and that’s me. I am the commissioner. I remain steadfast until a new appointment is made,” he said.
Kulunga said there was no division in the police force but did not say whether the armed robbery response unit was receiving orders from anyone else.
Kulunga said “I don’t know” and “I don’t think so” when asked if the unit was taking orders from another commissioner to stage barricades at Government House last Monday and Tuesday.
Half of the 45-man team under the command of Insp Fred Tundu drove to police headquarters to return their firearms and vehicles.
The armed robbery response unit was the group that prevented Peter O’Neill from entering Government House on Monday evening.