Parties in K3bn loan case appear in court

 PARTIES involved in the Supreme Court references relating to the Government’s decision to obtain a K3 billion loan from Union Bank of Switzerland appeared in court yesterday. 

Justice Sir Bernard Sakora, presiding as a single judge, endorsed consent orders to assist the parties for the progress of the matter. It includes the filing of applications to intervene in the proceedings. 

The matter returns to court on April 7 for hearing on any applications to intervene in the references. This will be subject to Justice Colin Makail signing the original reference in the originating summon (JR) 383 of 2014 and transmitting such reference to the Registrar. 

The reference by Makail is on whether the Ombudsman Commission had the jurisdiction to give directions to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Acting Secretary of the Department of Treasury Dairi Vele to stop further dealings on the loan arrangements.

The second reference by Justice David Cannings pursuant to sec 18(2) of the Constitution relates to proceedings started by O’Neill in the National Court. 

The reference concerns the powers, functions, duties and responsibilities of the Public Prosecutor and Leadership Tribunals.

The Ombudsman Commission and the Public Prosecutor were directed to file an application to intervene within 14 days after Makail signs his reference in OS (JR) 383 of 2014. 

Sir Bernard advised the parties that the issue of consolidation of the references will be dealt with after other applications for interventions are heard.