Nalau returns as deputy governor

MOROBE Governor Ginson Saonu, pictured, has announced the reinstatement of Judas Nalau as deputy Governor by the Sam Sewe (provincial executive council).
Saonu yesterday put to rest the issue of two deputy governors in Morobe with the announcement.
Watut local level government president Waka Daimon agreed to revert and focus on his roles and responsibilities as the provincial works chairman, Bulolo district development authority deputy chairman and Watut Local-Level Government president.
Nalau is also the Yabem-Mape LLG president. Saonu said after much contemplation by the Sam Sewe, Daimon agreed to step down as deputy governor.
He was voted in unopposed last year during the first Tutumang (provincial assembly).
“It was one of the critical challenges the Tutumang and Sam Sewe endured,” Saonu said.
“We’ve managed to put our differences aside and unite to work harmoniously for the good of our people, the province and rate payers in Lae.”
Nalau and Daimon were both elected on the Tutumang floor.
Earlier Nalau served under former governor Kelly Naru.
Daimon was elected soon after Saonu took office, ousting Naru.
However, some circumstances and misinterpretation of election laws and the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Government, resulted in Morobe having two deputy governors.
Nalau and Umi-Atzera president Daki Mao took the matter to the court which reinstated Nalau.
Saonu said Nalau was currently the deputy governor, member of Tutumang and Sam Sewe.
Asked if Nalau was given any potfolio within the cabinet apart from deputy governor position, Saonu said the Sam Sewe would consider if there were vacancies available.
“We are now united and standing together to perform our mandated obligations as provincial leaders, and work alongside our national MPs to serve our people.”