Preparations of MPs’ swearing in underway

National

THE Morobe provincial administration and its tutumang (assembly) are preparing for their 10 MPs to be sworn in.
Tutumang clerk Wingkeo Waliong said   formalities to host the elected MPs at the provincial Tutumang Haus would proceed but the actual date is yet to be scheduled.
The MPs including Governor Ginson Saonu, John Rosso (Lae), Ross Seymour (Huon Gulf), Sam Basil (Bulolo), Kennedy Wenge (Nawaeb), Renbo Paita (Finschhafen), Kobby Bomario (Tewae-Siassi), Patrick Bassa (Kabwum), Koni Iguan (Markham) and Thomas Pelika (Menyamya).
“Yes, we are in discussion to get formalities in order and hopefully could be held towards the end of the month or beginning of next month” Waliong said.
Acting administrator Sheila Harou was on duty travel and could not be reached for comment.
Deputy administrator social services Robin Bazinuc confirmed that preparations were being made.
Meanwhile, Waliong said he was seeking legal clarification from lawyers, the Ombudsman Commission and the department of provincial and local level government affairs (DPLLGA) on the status of LLG presidents who contested the general election.
“This is to verify whether they will retain seats or should be re-elected in the 2018  LLG elections while they are still off payroll, perks and privileges of the Tutumang,” Waliong said.
DPLLGA Secretary Dickson Guina had said that a resigned leader could retain or revert to the old position if unsuccessful but to re-contest the LLG election.
“If the council president, urban mayor and councillors are unsuccessful in the national election, he or she cannot revert to the position as the seat was lost automatically upon resignation.”