New twist in Vision 2050 office ‘break in’

National, Normal

THE case of the “break in” at the office of Vision 2050 in Port Moresby has taken a new twist.
Those accused of “breaking in” and “stealing” office equipment from the office last Monday at the Institute of Public Affairs have taken out a court injunction preventing police from arresting them.
The injunction was taken out over the Easter weekend by Dr Vele Ila’ava, Andrew Kavana, Westly Nukundj and Ralph Yamb as members of the National Planning Committee Secretariat.
Those restrained include chairman Prof David Kavanamur, his deputy Daniel Kapi, Police Minister Sani Rambi, Police Commissioner Gari Baki and Brian Kombe, the 6-Mile police station commander.
Since the “break in” was reported last Monday, Dr Ila’ava and the other plaintiffs have been holed up in Parliament house, reportedly in the office of Deputy Prime Minister Sir Puka Temu, in fear of being arrested by 6-Mile police.
After complaints were filed, police were seeking them to question them about the “break in”, and to ask them to return the “stolen goods” which included computers and a vehicle.
But in papers they filed in court, they claimed that they did not break into the office.
They said their lease of the office space had come to an end and they were simply moving things out to relocate to a new office.
They said they “moved” the office equipment at night and not during the day because it was less busy, and it would not be a distraction for students there.
In the court papers, Dr Ila’ava and the others complained of not being paid despite their hard work and effort in drafting the first ever 40-year National Strategic Plan for PNG.
Justice Cathy Davani will hear full arguments this morning and decide whether to extend the restraining order or lift it.