The Gulf ‘No Pipeline Policy Pressure Group’ is calling on Governor Chris Haiveta to step aside and clear his name over allegations of misconduct 10 years ago.
The Group said with the decision of the decade-old Tribunal still hanging over his head, he should clear his name before he continues his role, especially in dealing with the Papua LNG Project.
The pressure group said they do not want the Governor to move ahead with plans for the Papua LNG Project until the decade-old leadership tribunal is concluded.
Pressure group coordinator, Miro Peter, said the project is bigger than the Governor.
“We asking honourable governor, we feel that you have something that is not right at your back. There are some implications on your referrals. And those things are hanging over you since you went to elections, you won and came back, and we’ve pressured you to come out and make your position clear.
“I think the right thing is for you is to step back, move aside and let the process of the inquiry clear you out first,” said Miro.
Earlier this week, Haiveta responded to the initial statements by the Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Davis Steven, that the Governor was still answerable to the decade-old tribunal.
Haiveta disagreed and said the AG’s statement was out of order, improper and an interference in the role of constitutional institutions.
He said the Late Justice Timothy Hinchcliffe, who headed the tribunal, as well as another Tribunal member, have passed on, including former Ombudsman Commissioner, Late Chronox Manek and a few witnesses.
“Accordingly, in my view this tribunal cannot continue and it has ceased to exist,” Haiveta said.
“Should there be any attempt made to establish the Tribunal, such an attempt will be vigorously opposed, simply on the grounds of bias and contrary to natural justice.”
The Governor has also called the pressure group’s No Pipeline Policy a fallacy.
“Never forget when the economics of a project are right, the beneficiaries, also include the landowners, the provincial government and the LLG’s, and the National Government, the benefits that will come back are a lot more,” he said.
“But how we get there is the issue. It’s not about a no pipeline policy, it’s about the total resource of the province which we are trying to develop.”
The Group, which is being supported by former governor Havila Kavo, says their position won’t change.
“Gulf LNG Project is the cry and heartbeat of the people and the pressure groups stand to have ‘no pipeline policy’ is a genuine call,” said Kavo.