Motu Koita Chairman Miria Ikupu has pulled the plug on his election petition against Moresby North West MP and Health Minister, Michael Malabag.
Mr. Ikupu told EMTV News this morning that he has no more money to foot his legal bills.
His family, friends, employees, the Motu Koita people, and his legal team, were not made aware of this decision.
Mr. Ikupu looked sad, but confident, when making the announcement.
He did not consult his legal team or his family about the decision he made today.
He said funding constraints was the reason behind this decision.
Hearing on the election petition against Moresby North West MP and Health Minister, Michael Malabag, is scheduled for Thursday this week; however, Mr. Ikupu said this battle has come to a halt, as of today.
In the meantime, his fight for outstanding entitlements owed to the Motu Koita Assembly by NCDC, is far from over.
He called on the National Government to support the Motu Koita cause, and also urged NCDC to honour the 10 % tax revenue legislation.
He claimed that to date, NCDC owed his people K65 million in outstanding entitlements.
This funds, he said, is needed to pay for services such as rubbish collection, school fee subsidies and infrastructure refurbishment.
He also said these funds will be needed to roll out water and sanitation programs for his people.
He pleaded with the National Government to at least listen to the cries of his people, who are the traditional landowners of Port Moresby.
The Motu Koita Assembly is situated in Down town Port Moresby at the ADF Haus which is understood that their rent has been paid by the 2015 Pacific Games and Venues Committee.
Mr Ikupu’s said their fate will be determined next month.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=kIiDE_7Wbvw%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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