Petitioner Joseph Kobol has apologised to the public for the criminal actions his supporters had taken following the outcome of the Court decision that went against him.
He publicly apologised in front of the media yesterday afternoon, witnessed by Southern Highlands Governor William Powi and other Southern Highlands leaders, including Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Enga Governor Peter Ipatas and the Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Davies Steven.
He further apologised to airline company, Air Niugini, for the burning of its Link PNG Dash 8 aircraft at Mendi Airport, saying the act was uncalled for.
He said he is now prepared to review the case through the Supreme Court.
Kobol stated that another election petition by Pastor Bernard Kaku, challenging Powi’s win, is still pending at the National Court.
He further called on his supporters to remain calm as they address this through the Court Appeal.
“Whatever the outcome of the Supreme Court, they will just have to accept it and wait for the other election to come.”
Prime Minister O’Neill, on behalf of all the leaders of Southern Highlands Province, and all its law abiding citizens, apologised to PNG.
“I want to extend our expression of sympathy to all Papua New Guineans that we have brought about this stress to,” said the PM.
“Our country has always enjoyed the peaceful resolution of disputes and leaders today have agreed that they will pursue their differences through the Court so that the Court can make a determination on the differences they have.”
The Prime Minister thanked Kobol and the other petitioners for reaching this understanding to respect the resolutions of the Court.
(Joseph Kobol, front row-right, with the other Highlands leaders during yesterday’s press conference)