Public servants told to return to work

 EASTERN Highlands administrator Solomon Tato has urged public servants in the province to return to work, saying the administrative impasse was over.

Tato issued this notice last Friday after he was reinstated to his substantive position by the Supreme Court on Feb 15, following a long stand-off between himself and the provincial executive council headed by Governor Julie Soso.

The Supreme Court in Waigani made a number of orders on Feb 15, which included staying all proceedings before different courts relating to the impasse. 

The order, in part, stated: “The acting appointments of the first respondent (Samson Akunai) made by the NEC on February 11, 2016 ceases to have effect forthwith.”

“The appellant (Solomon Tato) is restored to office according to law effective as from this day (Feb, 15, 2016) on, and shall be permitted by the respondents and the NEC to resume office forthwith, pending the determination of this appeal.”

Tato, who was relieved by the decision of the Supreme Court said justice finally prevailed.

“The truth always prevailed,” he said.

“I was cleared of malicious criminal allegations fabricated against me and now I am being reinstated  to my position.

“What else is there to fight for?”

Tato said his appointment as the provincial administrator of Eastern Highlands by the NEC on Nov 26, 2014, was still valid and there was no vacancy in the provincial administrator’s post.

“I am happy to be back in my position,” he said.