Ipatas calls for calm support

 ENGA Governor Peter Ipatas has urged the public to respect the law when the hearing of an election petition against his victory begins in the Court of Disputed Returns today.

Ipatas told more than 3,000 people who turned up in Wabag last Friday to witness the provincial government presenting uniforms and trucks to various schools, that he did not want to see any person, including his supporters, acting disorderly when the hearing was on this week.

He said he had served the 400,000 people of Enga with distinction and did not want any individual or group to tarnish his name and that of the  the province. He said he tried to build a reputation for 17 years.

“I would like to take the opportunity to make a special appeal to every person, including my supporters, to behave and respect the rule of law  and let it take its own course,” he said.

“It will be insulting to me, the court and the peace-loving people of this province if anyone does anything silly to cause any disturbance to the court and the public when the petition case hearing is on.” 

He said losing candidates and supporters had the right to challenge election victories under election laws and his supporters had an obligation to respect the process to allow the court to establish justice on allegations.

Enga provincial police commander acting Supt Philip Welia said he would mobilise the police in Wabag to ensure the court hearing proceeded without any disturbance.

He said he trusted the public would go about doing their normal duties while allowing the court to do its duty of deliberating on the case.

“While I am confident to see peace and order prevail this week during the petition hearing, it is advisable that the people are not allowed to bring any weapons or acting disorderly in the vicinity of the town,” he said.

Losing candidates Sandy Talita and Nathan Pyati are challenging Ipatas’ victory.