Kulunga challenges dismissal from office

 FORMER Police Commissioner Toami Kulunga has filed court proceedings in the Waigani National Court challenging his removal by the National Executive Council. 

Kulunga (pictured) filed judicial review proceedings on Tuesday naming Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki, NEC and the State as defendants. 

The matter will be heard in Court on August 7 before Justice Les Gavara-Nanu. 

Lawyer Loani Henao, representing Kulunga, appeared in court yesterday saying necessary documents were filed in court on Tuesday.

Kulunga was present in court. 

Henao said the Secretary for the Department of Justice was served the court documents. 

State lawyers informed the court that they were not aware of the matter. 

Justice Les Gavara-Nanu told Henao that he would not hear fresh applications saying the matter will be adjourned to a later date for hearing. 

Henao agreed to the two-week adjournment. 

Kulunga is challenging the NEC’s decision to remove him as commissioner, arguing that proper procedures were not followed. 

Kulunga is seeking relief from the court, his reinstatement and Vaki’s removal as commissioner.