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Haiveta sidelined
BY JOSHUA ARLO
GULF Governor Chris Haiveta was yesterday
suspended from office with full pay after a leadership tribunal convened
in Waigani and read his charges of alleged misconduct in office to him.
Also yesterday, Chief Justice Sir Mari Kapi appointed two tribunals to
probe allegations of misconduct in office against Dei MP Melchior Pep
and Bulolo MP John Muingnepe.
While Mr Haiveta is suspended, his deputy Charles Maiu will step in and
act as governor of Gulf province until the outcome of his (Haiveta)
tribunal.
Mr Haiveta said in a statement that now that the Leadership Tribunal has
finally convened, he planned to defend himself to the fullest and prove
his innocence.
All parties were present yesterday at the tribunal as Camillus Sambua
for prosecutions read out a reference with the statement of reasons for
the allegations of misconduct in office by Mr Haiveta before the panel
chaired by Justice Timothy Hinchliffe.
A total of 28 allegations have been launched against him by the public
prosecutor.
They were put into four different categories relating to allegations of
misapplication of Provincial Support Grants, misapplication of K524,000
of public funds and two charges of failing to furnish annual statements
to the Ombudsman Commission.
His tribunal was adjourned yesterday to March 6.
Meanwhile, two other leadership tribunals have been established to
investigate allegations of misconduct by Mr Pep and Mr Muingnepe.
Public Prosecutor Chronox Manek referred the two to the Chief Justice
after he was satisfied that there was “sufficient, cogent and credible
evidence” for a tribunal to inquire and determine allegations of
misconduct in office against them.
The Chief Justice Mari Kapi appointed Justice Moses Jalina to chair Mr
Muingnepe’s tribunal with the assistance of senior magistrates Samuel
Lavutul and Jeffrey Katenge, while Mr Pep’s tribunal will be headed by
Justice Nicholas Kirriwom aided by senior magistrates Regget Marum and
Felix Terra.
Mr Pep was referred over four allegations of double dipping of motor
vehicle allowance; improper awarding of contract to a Wellcos
Engineering firm; application of K79,100 in cash and cheques contrary to
the guidelines of the District Support Grants; and, for being adjudged
insolvent and failing to disclose liability in his annual statement for
the periods 2002-2003 and 2003- 2004.
Mr Pep is facing a leadership tribunal a second time as an MP. He was
dismissed by an earlier tribunal in 1992.
Mr Muingnepe is facing allegations that he failed to submit annual
returns to the Ombudsman Commission in his capacity as first secretary
to the minister for Education between 1991 and 1993; first secretary to
the minister for Forest between 1995 and 1996; and; as MP for Bulolo
from 2002 to date.
 
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