Court battle over Hela PA post continues

The National court battle over the Provincial Administrator post in the Hela Province will continue in court next week.

A large crowd of supporters flooded the Waigani National Court precinct today hoping to hear a positive outcome of the case however it was adjourned to next Tuesday.

A number of motions will be heard by the court next week before Justice Leka  Nablu.

They include a motion that was filed by suspended Hela Provincial Administrator William Bando, who is seeking interim orders against his suspension.

Bando will be asking the court to stay his suspension from office. He is also seeking restraining orders against Public Service Minister Puka Temu, Hela Provincial Executive Council and its Chairman Francis Potape and Hela Governor, Kove Waiko and the state.

Bando was suspended by the Hela Provincial Executive Council on April 12. Kove Waiko was then appointed as the acting provincial administrator.

Following his suspension, he filed a judicial review challenging his suspension. Leave was allowed by the court late last month for the court to review his suspension.

Hela Provincial Executive Council and its Chairman Francis Potape and Hela Governor, Kove Waiko in response filed another motion today, asking the court to dismiss the proceeding filed by Bando.

All those motions will be moved next week.

Bando was suspended over allegations he refused to release payment of K7.9m and K500,000 respectively to “Certain individuals” as per directions on March 3.

He was appointed as Hela Provincial Administrator on June21, 2016. His term was for a period of for years.

Bando who is also the Chairman of the Hela Election Steering Committee is challenging his suspension due to the urgency of the upcoming election.

 

Author: 
Sally Pokiton