By Fabian Hakalits – EM TV, Port Moresby
Public Prosecutor, Pondros Kaluwin, will pursue the file for Sohe MP and Community Development Minister, Delilah Gore, to independently determine whether there’s sufficient evidence of misconduct in office.
The evidence will be used to request the Chief Justice, to appoint an appropriate leadership tribunal to enquire into the allegations.
According to the Public Prosecutors Office, there is only “one category of allegation” in this referral.
It relates to the leader allegedly using her mobile phone when the Air Niugini cabin crew made the routine announcements as required under the Flight Safety Rules: “turn off all electronic devises including mobile phones.”
It is further alleged that the leader shouted at the cabin crew and said: “Take your seat. I will contact your boss to have you fired and you will lose your job, do you know who I am?”
The allegation of misconduct in office occurred on April 24, 2014, when the leader was on an Air Niugini flight from Popondetta to Port Moresby. She was offloaded from that flight.
The minister had denied claims made against her. Read story here.
Gore was referred to the Public Prosecutor for breaching the Leadership Code, on Wednesday this week by the government’s watchdog, the Ombudsman Commission.
It arises from her failure in upholding duties and responsibilities of office as required under Section 27 of the Constitution and the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership.
Air Niugini was asked for legal action on this case but didn’t want to comment.
However the national airline maintains that safety is a top priority; and the airline can never compromise safety.
