Opposition slams move to stop probe of Somare
By JOSHUA ARLO and ISAAC NICHOLAS
THE Prime Minister’s move to halt investigations against him by the Ombudsman Commission has been criticised, with the Opposition calling on Sir Michael to step aside and allow the corruption watchdog to complete its investigation.
The Ombudsman is investigating allegations that the Prime Minister failed to lodge annual returns, lodged returns late, or lodged incomplete returns between 1994 and 2003.
Failing to file annual returns is an offence under the Leadership Code, and a leader could be referred for prosecution.
Chief Ombudsman Ila Geno was about to convey the decision of the commission, on the allegations, personally to the Prime Minister when lawyers representing Sir Michael launched court actions.
In the court papers filed, Sir Michael claimed that the commission’s actions were harsh and oppressive, and the long delay in looking into the allegations was unfair. He is seeking the court to permanently bar the investigations.
Lawyers representing both the commission and the Prime Minister appeared before Justice Mark Sevua on Friday.
During a brief hearing, the commission notified the court it had launched another proceeding to dismiss the Prime Minister’s court action.
The commission’s challenge will be heard first when parties appear again on May 15.
In the meantime, the Ombudsman Commission has undertaken that it will not conduct any further investigations pending the hearing of these legal challenges.
Meanwhile, the Opposition yesterday called on the Prime Minister to immediately step aside so that the Ombudsman Commission investigations can proceed unhindered.
They also called on the people of Papua New Guinea to join them in urging the Prime Minister to put the interests of the nation and the people ahead of his own personal interests by allowing the Ombudsman Commission to complete its investigation into his affairs.
“As leaders, we are expected to lead by example.
“We take an oath to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the country. That responsibility includes not frustrating the processes of law enforcing agencies,” Opposition leader Sir Mekere Morauta told a press conference.
They described the court action by the Prime Minister as irresponsible.
“The Prime Minister’s action is sending wrong signals to the people.
“He should be aware of the growing resentment and cynicism by people against politicians.”
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