Agiru confident of court outcome

By ISAAC NICHOLAS
SOUTHERN Highlands Governor Anderson Agiru is confident of a positive outcome from the courts after Fred Yakasa, Gabriel Yer and Hudson Ramatlap challenged the decision of the government to revoke their appointments.
Agiru, who was recently appointed deputy leader of the Somare faction, said his government would uphold the Constitution of this country and conduct its business in a lawful manner.
Yakasa was appointed police commissioner, Yer as finance secretary and Ramatlap as first legislative counsel who all had their appointments revoked and are challenging that in the Supreme Court.
“The Supreme Court, the highest court of the land on Dec 12, made it abundantly clear that the O’Neill-Namah regime is an unconstitutional government, therefore, it restored the government of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare back to Aug 2, 2011.”
Agiru said members of parliament who supported the O’Neill-Namah government must adhere to the law and the Supreme Court decision.
“Parliamentarians can­not break laws and get away with it. They expect the citizens, the small man on the land, to go behind bars when they commit a criminal act.
“It is unfair for citizens as there is one law for everyone whether you are a politician, businessman or ordinary citizen.”
Agiru said Yakasa and Yer were legitimately appointed by the Somare faction and were challenging the revocation of their appointments in court.
“They are challenging their revocation because they were appointed by a legitimate and competent authority which is the government of Somare.
“The courts have taken control of the matters and we are confident of a positive outcome.
“We want to assure the people of PNG not to lose confidence in the rule of law in this country because we have an impartial and vibrant judiciary.
“We will not encourage our people to resort to violence or use institutions of state to cling onto power.
“I want to assure the people that Sir Michael is the legitimate prime minister and we believe that the courts will determine the fate of our actions through these various proceedings,” Agiru said.
“I appeal to the people to abide by the law at all times and thank them for their prayers.
“Let me remind us all that no one is above the law,” Agiru said.