PM stops probe
The instrument to disband the inquiry was delivered to inquiry chairman Maurice Sheehan and the inquiry team in dramatic fashion on Friday.
Two officials from the Prime Minister’s department went to Muruk Haus, accompanied by police and security guards, changed the locks and told staff of the inquiry to leave with only their personal belongings.
Commissioner Sheehan had to cut short his lunch and return to the Muruk Haus, where the inquiry is conducted, to receive the instrument.
Deputy secretary to the Prime Minister’s department Henry Leia and lawyer Koreken Levi told Sheehan they were delivering the instrument, signed by the Prime Minister, to disband the inquiry.
The Instrument stated: “I, Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, Prime Minister, by virtue of the powers conferred by section 2 of the Commission of Inquiry Act (chapter 31) and all other powers me enabling, hereby terminate the Commission of Inquiry into the management generally of public monies by the Department of Finance address to you and published in National Gazette No.G176 of 16 November 2007, with effect on and from the dated of signature of this instrument.”
He stated: “The Interim Report, including any unfinished investigations, will now be referred to the permanent parliamentary committee on public accounts to continue to inquire into the department of Finance.”
Sheehan objected to releasing files from the Attorney General’s office to the officials, saying they were given under his care and he would return them to the department.
Stephen Kassman, counsel assisting the inquiry, was angry that they were treated like common criminals.
But the officials said they were only delivering the instrument, and told to ensure the safety and security of the files.
Leia and Levi assured Sheehan that all outstanding payments and salaries will be paid.
The Prime Minister had previously disbanded the inquiry, but re-instituted it again last year, only to abruptly end it again.
The National was unable to get the Prime Minister’s comments on the matter as he was said to be travelling to Port Moresby from Wewak late yesterday.
Sheehan, nevertheless, accepted that it was the prerogative of the Prime Minister, the appointing authority, to disband the inquiry, but asked his staff to have access to the files so they are safely returned to the relevant departments.
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