Speaker to rule on Kidu’s request

SPEAKER Jeffery Nape has advised Moresby South MP Dame Carol Kidu, who had applied to take up the opposition leader’s role in parliament, to sit in the middle bench until he decides on her request.

Nape is expected to make a ruling today.

Since Aug 2, the opposition bench had been empty as factions led by Peter O’Neill and Sir Michael Somare continued to argue over who was the legitimate government.

The matter is pending in court.

Dame Carol, a minister in the past nine years in the Somare-led government, decided to take up the opposition role two weeks ago and wrote to the speaker to recognise her as the opposition leader.

Nape said he had received her request but had not made a decision on it.

"Members of parliament, I witness that the member for Moresby South, Dame Carol Kidu, is in the opposition leader’s bench.

"I have received your notice but I have to tell you to sit in the middle bench until I make a decision tomorrow," he said.

Government members who were in support of the move then called out: "Givim em! Givim em! (Give it to her! Give it to her!)

Members of the Somare faction turned up and took up the middle bench led by Sir Arnold Amet, Anderson Agiru, Philemon Embel, Timothy Bonga, Philip Kikala, Paul Tiensten, Francis Potape, Ben Semri, Paru Aihi, Sani Rambi and Sam Abal.