Namah’s challenge questioned following suspension

A LAWYER representing Prime Minister James Marape questioned yesterday in court whether Opposition Leader Belden Namah, who the Leadership Tribunal had suspended in 2018, could challenge the constitutionality of Marape’s election to the position.
Lawyer McRonald Nale made the submission during the hearing on the competency of the Supreme Court case filed by Namah which questioned the constitutionality of Marape’s election on May 30 last year in Parliament.
Namah was suspended by the Leadership Tribunal on April 9, 2018.
His lawyer Greg Sheppard told the court that the Leadership Tribunal’s decision was stayed by the National Court in 2018.
He said the court decision covered the entire proceedings of the tribunal as well.
Sheppard also submitted that the decision on the stay was well over the mandatory period of 21 days to appeal or oppose the stay.
The five-man Supreme Court bench was made up of Deputy Chief Justice Ambeng Kandakasi, Justice Panuel Mogish, Justice George Manuhu, Justice David Cannings and Justice Jeffery Shephard.
They asked the parties why the recommendation by the tribunal was not acted on and whose responsibility was it to ensure that the decision was executed.
The matter has been adjourned to May 29 for a ruling on competency of the application.