Pangu files proceedings to remove Basil

Pangu Pati national president Joseph Pundao has filed a proceeding on behalf of council members claiming that Bulolo MP Sam Basil is no longer party leader.
The matter on Monday appeared as a notice of motion before Justice Ere Kariko in the Waigani National Court.
The proceeding was related to a Pangu Pati Morobe branch meeting, held on Oct 24, that decided to terminate Basil from the party after his alleged ignorance of leadership roles as the party leader.
Justice Kariko told both parties, when filing and serving their affidavits before the hearing, that it was important to identify what the process was in relation to the suspension or termination of a party member in accordance with the Organic Law.
Basil’s lawyer, Brendon Lai, told the court he needed an adjournment to review the meetings which elected Basil as the party leader.
Pundao, through his lawyer Justine Isaac, withdrew the motion and agreed with the defendants for a hearing date on Dec 4.
Justice Kariko ordered that the plaintiff file and serve affidavits that were intended to be relied on to the defendants by Nov 23.
He ordered the defendants to file and serve their affidavits to the plaintiffs by Nov 30.