By Theckla Gunga, Vasinatta Yama & Serah Aupong – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Deputy Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika has strongly urged Police Commissioner, Gari Baki, to reopen the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate (NFACD).
This was said during a court case involving member for Bogia, John Hickey, this morning at the Waigani Court House.
The trial involving Hickey could not begin yesterday because the arresting officer was not able to access files, due to the closure of the directorate, and was not sure who to report to due to the recent change in directors.
Salika ordered Baki to answer to these queries, which saw Baki in the witness stand this morning when the deputy chief justice issued this statement.
“I am suggesting that you reopen the fraud office to allow normal operations,” he said.
He added that if Baki was not able to reopen the directorate based on this suggestion, the deputy chief justice would issue court orders for that to happen.
The deputy chief justice also clarified that according to the courts; Mathew Damaru is recognised as the Director of the NFACD since Damaru’s successful application against his dismissal.
In the same hearing he said Mathew Damaru and Timothy Gitua must respect the police command and control by providing regular updates through the police hierarchy.
After the court hearing, Baki called for a media conference.
More updates to come.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=tI4AKFazoRk%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
