by Fabian Hakalits – EMTV Port Moresby
Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare, has appealed to the ruling government and Members of Parliament to respect the laws that govern this nation.
Sir Michael said this in Parliament when responding to the announcement made by Prime Minister, on the Attorney General’s appointment, as Acting Governor General.
Debate on the Acting Governor General’s appointment boiled after Sir Michael realised the Attorney General Minister’s absence in the chamber today.
The disappointed Father of the Nation claimed that the ruling government had misused the Constitution’s provisions, by appointing the Attorney General Minister Ano Pala, as Acting Governor General.
But Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, explained it was a National Executive Council decision because of the Speaker and Chief Justice’s absence in the country. The Attorney General Minister will be acting for two weeks.
According to the PNG Constitution, Part 5, The Head of State, Division 3 on the Appointment etc of the Governor General.
Section 95 on Acting Governor General, subsection 5:
“When neither the Speaker not the Chief Justice is available, to be the acting governor general, the powers, functions, duties and responsibilities of the governor general shall be exercised and performed by a Minister appointed by the Head of State on the advice of the National Executive Council for the purpose.”
https://youtube.com/watch?v=rD82auzKGIQ%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
