The district court dismissed criminal charges laid against Western Provincial Administrator Doctor Modowa Gumoi atthe Waigani Court House in Port Moresby yesterday.
Senior Magistrate Vincent Pindipia dismissedthe allegation on misappropriation laid by former Western Province Governor Doctor Beb Danaya, on lack of evidence.
Doctor Gumoi thanked his family for their support duringthe four months of trial.
He said he is looking forward to returning to work and serve his people as mandated in February this year, particularly to assist in addressingthe current Ok Tedi turmoil.
“There’s been a lot of corruption inthe province andthe first thing I did was a clean-up exercise which has seen senior managers inthe provincial government’suspended and will be investigated. That will continue as I am committed to that,” said Gumoi.
Also a Director in PNG DP and recently appointed as an interim director of OTML, he said it will be tough for boththe state andthe people of Western Province, but assured all parties that a win-win situation will be sought.
Dr. Gumoi was appointed as Provincial Administrator in February this year.
Following his appointment he was arrested atthe Jackson’sInternational Airport bythe police.
He was charged atthe Beroko Police station for misappropriation.
Lawyers representing Dr. Gumoi explained thatthe effect ofthe district court decision yesterday cleared all charges against him.
“We were told that he was charged for misappropriation of five-hundred thousand kina,” said Raymon Kuai, Posman Kua Aisi Lawyers.
“The five-hundred thousand kina was paid to Posman Kua Aisi Lawyers.
“The money got paid came to our trust account for legal services. We invoicedthem prior tothe payment was made, it’s a normal law firm to client relationship.
“And, whenthe allegation was made, we actually went tothe police and showedthemthe evidence, and saidthere’s nothing to hide.”
Dr. Gumoi’said he will return to work and continue from where he had stopped, but has instructed his lawyers to take legal actions on defamation of character against former Western Provinc Governor, Dr. Beb Danaya, andthe policemen involved.
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