Sevua not deterred by opposition

A BRIEF but heated discussion developed in the Waigani National Court last Thursday when Justice Mark Sevua declined to disqualify himself from hearing a petition involving former chief justice Sir Arnold Amet.
The discussion was brought about by an Oct 8 letter to the court registrar asking that all judges who had under the term of Sir Arnold as chief justice be disqualified from hearing the petition to avoid prejudicing their professional duty.
Roger McGuire said the issue related to how the public might perceive any order or direction made by the court.
Justice Sevua said there was no legal issue determining his disqualification as a judge dealing with the matter, adding that he had no problem dealing with the matter despite his past relationship with Sir Arnold.
“Which judge does not know Sir Arnold Amet? All the judges know Sir Arnold,” he told Mr McGuire.
“I didn’t come to waste time.
“I want it to be clear now that it is my responsibility as no other judges has been appointed (to hear these petitions). I take sole responsibility.”
Sir Arnold, who is now the governor of Madang, is a respondent in a petition filed by Peter Yama, who is claiming that there was bribery and undue influence in the elections.
Mr Yama is also alleging that the Electoral Commission, another respondent, committed errors and omissions during counting, as well as other irregularities caused by electoral officials.