DESPITE PETER O’NEILL’S SOLID GRIP on government in Papua New Guinea, the rival Somare group still maintains it is the legitimate administration.
PNG was plunged into political turmoil early this month when the Supreme Court ruled the O’Neill government was illegal. The Court restored Sir Michael Somare as prime minister.
In a flurry of controversial law changes, the O’Neill group re-asserted control and won the backing of key institutions.
However rival attorney-general Sir Arnold Amet says eventually the O’Neill group must realise its law changes were subordinate to the Supreme Court ruling.
He says the Somare camp is seeking declaratory judgements on the purported legitimacy of the O’Neill government.
“So it is not over by a long shot in my opinion,” Sir Arnold said.
“And, in our view, Sir Michael is still the legitimately restored prime minister by the Supreme Court - the impartial adjudicator of constitutional issues in this nation.”
Source: Radio New Zealand International
The deportation of Osborne is very suspicious and sinister.... can somebody in the Oneil/Namah government give some explanation.
Was it for treason, spying, funding the Somare camp?
They've have changed the constitution as they pleased and made laws to change the past, so all expats should be very nervous, I guess. Anything can happen.
Posted by: Naiko Daosak | 30 December 2011 at 02:20 AM
The deportation of Graham Osborne is indeed disturbing and suspicious. He lived in PNG for many years and was a respected and mild-mannered person at the Ela Beach Hotel.
I suspect there is more to this than has been reported - if not the O'Neill camp loses a lot of credibility.
Are they getting vindictive?
The Post Courier has a good editorial on this issue today.
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 29 December 2011 at 05:02 PM
Barbara, it's interesting how describe the law as an ass, but it can be if you are acting outside of it...
Why not stay within the laws and you don't have to be constantly on the run otherwise it becomes a pain in the ass!
Posted by: Naiko Daosak | 29 December 2011 at 02:53 PM
We have seen only the head of Peter O'Neill and his body and legs are still hidden.
People will regret having supported the O 'Neill group.
Paul Osbourne has been deported and, come next year, there will be terrible and unthinkable things pushed on by this O'Neill government.
_____________
Gerald is referring to yesterday's deportation from PNG of Michael Somare-associate and Port Moresby restaurant owner Graham Osborne as a result of alleged "business compliance issues" - KJ
Posted by: Gerald Tananu | 29 December 2011 at 02:12 PM
Why not let the Grand Chief retire with dignity and appoint him Governor General?
That would be interesting!
Posted by: Peter Kranz | 29 December 2011 at 09:12 AM
Sori, I don't know this Sir Arnold Amet. I just wonder why he is pushing so hard for an old sick man to be made the parliamentary leader of PNG when a younger healthy man has taken over the role and seems to be doing a good job.
Surely there are now other roles in PNG more suitable for Somare! Let common sense prevail. As far as I am concerned, 'the law' is an ass at times!
Posted by: Barbara Short | 29 December 2011 at 07:01 AM