Dua plans to remain with Government team

The National Main Stories

By GIDEON KINDIWA
CHIMBU Governor Michael Dua says he will maintain his integrity and remain with the Government under Prime Minister Peter O’Neill as his people’s interests are above his own.
He said this after the Waigani National Court declared him the governor of Chimbu on Friday, after dismissing a motion filed by petitioner Noah Kool to dispute results of the recount.
Dua said he had to continue what he started in the province and in order to do that he had to remain with the Government, but he may decide otherwise whenever necessary.
“I am currently with the Government. I have to maintain my integrity and remain with THE Party (Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party) as I am a party man,” he said.
“I will not do silly things. I am a leader, I respect myself, respect my people and I don’t take sides. Whenever the situation arises I might decide, but currently I am with the Government not because of my own interests but for my people.”
Dua said he had set foot in every district in Chimbu to see how they could be developed and now that he has been re-declared the governor, he would go back and visit each and every community in the province and continue his work.
He thanked the people of Eastern Highlands and Goroka for having the recount in Goroka and their hospitality during the three months of recount. Dua also thanked the court for serving justice to him and freeing him to finally focus on his responsibilities for Chimbu.
The court ruled that Kool’s motion was “speculative” and based on “third party information”.
Justice Colin Makail dismissed the motion and accepted results of the recount presented by Electoral Commission lawyer Moses Ninkama.
Results:

  • Michael Dua – 79,546 votes
  • Noah Kool – 68,797 votes
  • Absolute majority – 74,172
  • Dua scored 5,374 votes above the absolute majority.

“The first respondent’s (Kool’s) affidavits supporting his motion were based on hearsay or speculation,” Makail said.