Court backs decision by minister

By KARO JESSE
THE Waigani National Court has upheld a decision by the Minister for Sports and Higher Education Research, Science and Technology Wesley Raminai in the appointment of acting director-general of the National Agricultural
Institution (Nari) and the acting appointment of interim governing council members for the institution.
Both decisions were made on March 23, when Warea Orapa was appointed as the acting director-general for three months and Tapul Rali, Yala Yatu, Ora Renagi, Maria Linibi, Ronnie Ilam, Dominic Ira, Nimo Walter Kama, Albert Veratau as council members.
Raminai’s decision over the appointment stands firm, after Justice Nicholas Miviri ousted an application by Joseph Tenge Tomerop who sought to judiciary review the minster’s decision.
Tomerop applied in his capacity as recommended nominee to be member of the Nari governing council.
His term as non-ex-officio member of the council expired last July 14, and was never re-appointed or given a substantive position.
Justice Miviri found that Tomerop was a busy body rather than a person with genuine interest.
“It must also be kept in mind that the acting appointments made by the minister were in accordance with Higher Education (general provisions) (Amendment) Act”
Justice Miviri stated in his judgement.
Sections 153 (3) (c) of the Higher Edcuation Act empowers the minister to appoint an interim governing council.
Similarly, and reliance upon Section 152 (3) (e) of the same Act to appoint the acting appointment of the director.