By Vasinatta Yama – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Ati Wobiro can now conduct his duties as the mandated Governor for Western Province.
After a four year court battle resulting from an election petition by former governor, Dr. Bob Danaya, the Waigani National Court has ruled against the petitioner today.
Judge Derek Hartshorn made the decision on the grounds that the facts presented by the petitioner were irrelevant.
Governor Wobiro was relieved inside the court room when Judge Hartshorn handed down the decision.
The allegation by the petitioner, Dr. Danaya, was that during the 2012 General Election, Governor Wobiro was seen bribing voters.
However, the court heard that on the same date, Wobiro flew with his wife to his village.
The court objected the petition stating that the facts pleaded and relied upon, did not support the allegations of bribery.
Dr. Danaya also petitioned the Electoral Commission on allegations of errors and omissions in the course of the counting of votes cast.
However, the lawyer representing the Electoral Commission had argued that the facts presented by the lawyer representing Dr. Danaya, does not state the relevant number of votes that the winner and the runner-up obtained, and the number of votes that were obtained by the winner allegedly through errors and omissions.
Governor Wobiro says this court battle and such others arouse the need for the Electoral Commission to handle petition cases in a manner where it won’t stop elected members from doing their job.
He said the court battle has prevented him from providing services to his people.
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