By James Guken
Shadow Minister for Bougainville Affairs, and Abau District member Sir Puka Temu, has called for the resignation of Speaker Job Pomat, Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan, and members of the Private Business Committee (PBC) following a Supreme Court ruling that declared their actions unconstitutional.
The PBC, chaired by Hela Governor Phillip Undialu, includes Southern Highlands Governor William Powi, Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin, Gulf Governor Sir Christopher Haiveta, and Western Governor Toboi Yoto.
Sir Puka accused them of overstepping their authority by blocking motions of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape, including those that proposed ESP provincial member Allan Bird as an alternative leader.
“The Supreme Court has confirmed that the committee must not interfere with the process of moving a motion of no confidence,” Sir Puka stated. “Their actions last year to reject three motions were unconstitutional and aimed at protecting the Prime Minister.”
He recommended reforms to the PBC, proposing a smaller membership of five, including the Speaker, two government MPs, and two opposition MPs.
He also called for more frequent committee meetings.
Sir Puka urged the Speaker and committee members to resign, emphasizing that their failure to uphold the constitution must be met with accountability.
