Abuse of office case adjourned

SUSPENDED managing director for the Climate Change and Development Authority Ruel Yamuna, who is facing a charge of abuse of office, appeared in the Waigani Committal last Wednesday.
Magistrate Tracy Ganaii read Yamuna’s charge, which he heard and understood, and adjourned his case to Jan 6, to deal with a preliminary matter.
His bail of K1,000 was converted to district court bail with conditions that he not interfere with State witnesses, attend court when his case was called, not leave the National Capital District and reside at the address provided to the court.
Yamuna, from Topopullu village in Imbonggu, Southern Highlands, is alleged to have resumed office on Dec 1, while under suspension by the Minister for Environment and Conservation and Climate Change Wera Mori.
Yamuna’s actions were deemed prejudicial to the rights of the duly appointed acting managing director Jacob Ekinye, who was prevented from exercising his duties.
Yamuna’s actions caused disaffection and confusion among staff and employees because he was unlawfully performing his duties as managing director until his arrest on Dec 4. His lawyer Edward Sasingian made an oral application for Yamuna to be discharged from the charge because the information was defective.
Magistrate Ganaii told Sasingian to file a proper application and serve it on the prosecution.
The application will be heard on Jan 6.