Semoso fails to attend tribunal

By ANGELINE KARIUS
BOUGAINVILLE regional MP Fidelis Semoso has failed, for the second time, to turn at a tribunal looking into allegations of misconduct against him.
Tribunal chairman Justice Salatiel Lenalia expressed disappointment over Semoso’s failure to attend the tribunal.
Lenalia told Semoso’s lawyer, Charles Mende, to advise his client to attend the tribunal tomorrow “or other consequences pertaining to his absence may be applied”.
He said the court would not make anymore allowances by adjourning the hearing. Semoso did not also turn up on Monday.
State prosecuting lawyer Anthony Kupmein maintained that the hearing should not be further delayed.
Lenalia said the tribunal would not approve another adjournment and that Semoso should be present for the hearing on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Mende told the court that he was aware of the consequential circumstances involved but it was unfortunate that his client was not available.
The matter is before Lenalia and senior magistrates Ignatious Kurie and Nerrie Eliakim.
Semoso was referred on allegations of the misappropriation of K2.7 million for the South Bougainville feeder road project.
He was also alleged to have misappropriated K470,000 awarded to the Millennium Waters Company from the K2.7 million.
Another K1 million from the project was also allegedly misused.
The tribunal would hear the matter tomorrow, including that of Kikori MP Mark Maipakai.