Ikupu remains head of Motu-Koitabu

NATIONAL Court yesterday declared that Miria Ikupu remains chairman of the Motu-Koitabu Assembly while a determination is made on all issues raised.
Justice Collin Makail, who presided over the case, rejected the assertions in the affidavits of the plaintiffs.
He said the assertions by deputy chairman Boio Morata and five others were based on hearsay.
Justice Makail refused to dismiss Ikupu’s application for interim injunction and set it aside.
The Motu-Koita members took their chairman to court for not resigning before contesting the Moresby Northwest seat.They alleged Ikupu did not legally seek leave of absence from office and resigned from his position before standing for elections. They also said he was using the assembly’s logistics such as vehicles in his campaigns.
They were challenging the validity of the decision of the assembly on May 18 granting leave of absence to Ikupu.The determination of the substantive proceedings and the application for interim injunction are adjourned for directions hearings on a date to be decided by the court.