The withdrawal of what was set to be a landmark case in Papua New Guinearsquo;s short Political history wasthe East Sepik Provincial Government'’s Supreme Court Reference onthe Legality ofthethen O'Neill – Namah government duringthe political impasse of August 2011.
Former Prime Minister and now Governor,the Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare announcedthe withdrawal ofthe case overthe weekend.
Sir Michael is believed to have been encouraged to dropthe case by National Alliance Party Leader Patrick Pruaitch, a minister inthe coalition.
The events that unfolded on 2 August 2011 tothe formation ofthe new government will remain part of our political history. That’s fromthe Founder ofthe Constitution and Founding Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare. He said this when explaining to his peoplethe reasons behindthe withdrawal,the East Sepik Court Reference of 2011 & 2012.
National Alliance was one ofthe parties involved inthe case taken up bythe East Sepik Provincial Government questioningthe legality ofthe takeover ofthe government by ONeill and Namah.
Sir Michael’said he wants to cooperate withthe government’so that his province doesn’t miss out on District Funding.
Sir Michael was singled – out duringthe Political impasse bythethen ONeill – Namah government. There were two Prime Ministersand two of everything inthe political arena. Afterthe 2012 General Elections, Sir Michael decided to join ONeill’s People’s Congress Party to form this government.
Withthe ESP Supreme Court Reference out ofthe way, more funds are expected to flow into East Sepik province as guaranteed by Leader of NA & Aitape Lumi MP Patrick Pruaitch
Beidgette Komatep, National EMTV News
