Court dismisses proceedings against Enga's open members
Tue Apr 21, 2009 12:00pm
The National Court in Wabag has dismissed proceedings by the Enga
Provincial Government against its Open members.
Governor Peter Ipatas took the matter to court, after the Open
members of the province received over K143m for various projects in
their respective constituencies.
The Open Members received the cheques from Prime Minister Sir Michael
Somare during a cabinet meeting held in the province.
Handing down the ruling, Acting resident Judge, Justice Nemo Yalo
said, the Enga Provincial Government failed to disclose reasonable
cause of action on the matter before the court.
Justice Yalo said though the court had an imperative right to
interpret and deliberate on the constitutional matters and functions,
but the matter could have been resolved outside of court by reaching a
common understanding that would instill unity among themselves as they
serve a single interest - which is to serve their constituents.
He said the costs, or the legal fees be met by the State, as all
parties are representative members of the State.
After the court's ruling, Minister for Works, Transport and Civil
Aviation, Don Polye, and Governor Peter Ipatas, separately addressed
the people.
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