Operations of PNG’s National Airports Corporation in limbo due to top post tussle
A court battle looms over the leadership of the body in charge of PNG’s airports, after the government appointed a new acting managing director despite a court ruling which declared the sacking of his predecessor to be unlawful.
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Walter Schnaubelt has announced the appointment of Dominic Kaumu as the National Airports Corporation acting managing director following the sacking of former managing director Rex Kiponge.
But Mr Kiponge says a December 5 court decision which ruled his dismissal unlawful means he should get back his old job, and says he will go back to court to overturn the appointment of Mr Kaumu.
Mr Schnaubelt has hit back, accusing Mr Kiponge of “distorting” the courts order and saying his previous behavior had jeopardised the safety of air passengers.
“Instead it opened a pathway for Kiponge to seek damages for unlawful revocation of his appointment. The court order expressly does not endorse his immediate return to office as Managing Director of National Airport Corporation” Mr Schnaubelt said.
He further said Mr Kintau had no power to hand over the position to Mr Kiponge nor does the NAC Board have the power to appoint but rather make recommendations to the Minister.
The newly appointed acting MD Kaumu says he will do his best to get the organization back on track, despite threats of a looming court challenge to his appointment.
“Let’s restore confidence of the people of this country back into this organization, that’s my call to the NAC management and that’s what I’ m going to be looking for. Mr Kaumu said.
Mr. Kaumu’s appointment is for 3 months until a permanent managing director is confirmed by the National Executive Council.
Kiponge's lawyers to challenge Minister Schnaubelt actions
Court-reinstated Managing Director for the National Airports Corporation, Rex Kiponge says his lawyers will return to court challenging the actions taken by Minister Schnaubelt:
He says there is no vacancy for a new appointment and described the action taken by Civil Aviation Minister, Walter Schnaubelt as a blunder pursued by self-interest.
Mr. Kiponge also questioned why the Minister has not challenged his decision through the court.
He says his reinstatement follows the court decision on 5th December ruling that his termination was unlawful.
“I want to make it very clear, it is not with the Board, it is not with the management, it is not with the office of the managing director, it is not with the staff. The issue with NAC is caused by political interference and it is caused by the Minister". Mr Kiponge said
He has appealed to the newly appointed acting managing director Dominic Kaumu to turn down the appointment like Mr Kintau has done.
Kiponge says he will not rest until order is maintained at NAC.