By Jack Lapauve Jr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Today was a sigh of relief for Central Provincial Administrator, Gei Guni Raga, after he was found not guilty by the Waigani Committal Court for allegations of abuse of office under section 92 of the Criminal Code.
Magistrate Cosmas Bidar in his ruling said allegations levelled against the incumbent Provincial Administrator for Central for refusing to pay K4.7 million to a company called Rumbam Engineering Limited for roadworks for LNG impact villages of Boera, Papa, Lealea and Porebada has found no evidence to commit the defendant to National court.
Magistrate Bidar said normal procurement procedures were not followed under the provisions of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and the contract was an oral contract and there was nothing in writing. He described the case as a ‘prima facie case’ stating there was lack of evidence and reiterated that no written agreement was in place to extinguish the complainant’s allegations.
Central Provincial Administrator, Gei Guni Raga, who was on a K5,000 bail since August last year, was emotional after walking out of the Waigani courthouse greeted by his supporters and family members. He was confident that the ruling by presiding Magistrate Cosmas Bidar proved his innocence. He also took time to thank his lawyer Engelbert Hampalekie of Mordelai & Associate Lawyers and his wife and children, friends and close relatives.
