Melanesian Alliance executive arm to sue Basil over leadership takeover

rd,  Party President, James Chamilou,  wrote  to Sam Basil stating that the party  did not authorize any leadership takeover and  accused Basil of  assuming leadership when there was no vacancy. Basil has also been accused of breaching the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPAC). “In this case, the approval or consent is totally against the spirit  the party constitution… The OLIPAC office does not approve or recognize you as party leader under any circumstance.” Sam Basil and seven other MPs  set up a new look Melanesian Alliance Party a  month ago.  Back then, the power struggle between  him and the  Pangu Party executives had reached new heights. Sam Basil was issued marching orders by Pangu’s Executive arm. The Pangu leadership was given to Morobe Governor, Ginson Saonu through a  Party council decision. But  all 15 Pangu MPs resigned – Or so they said.    Governor Saonu and  seven MPs moved to the Opposition camp and  resumed their Pangu status while Sam Basil announced the resurrection of the Melanesian Alliance on the government side. While on the surface the transition appeared smooth,  Wosera-Gawi MP,  Joseph Yopiyopi,  in the Opposition camp  came out saying he had  never relinquished the  Party leadership and that he was still MA party leader. The Melanesian Alliance Executive arm has since  referred Sam Basil to the Police  Fraud Squad for investigation.   Eight MPs in the party have been  referred to Ombudsman Commission and Basil is expected to be sued by the Melanesian Alliance. Addressing Sam Basil, the party President said:  “We will seek legal advice before we file a  civil proceeding against you…to claim compensation over the alleged stealing of our party including forging and altering of our party logo.” The party’s  announcement now  leaves Sam Basil and the  eight  MPs without a party and without a party executive to back them them.  ]]>