Kagua-Erave member James Lagea

In dealing with the case of Kagua Erave Member James Lagea, tribunal chairman Justice Goodwin Poole said failure on the part of leaders to submit their annual returns potentially exposed them and called their integrity into question.

Lagea indicated this through his lawyer when appearing before the leadership tribunal on Thursday (June 25).

Peter Kuman from Kuman Lawyers told the tribunal that he was instructed by his client to make a plea before them.

He said the leader will be admitting to the charges against him that led to his referral and appointment of a leadership tribunal against him.

Lagea’s allegations relates to his failures to comply with the requirements of section 89(1)(g) of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates.

Following the appointment request of the tribunal by the Public Prosecutor Pondros Kaluwin on May 8, 2015 the Chief Justice on Tuesday (June 23) announced the appointment of leadership tribunals to investigate the member for Kagua-Erave James Lagea and Bogia member John Hickey.

Both the Lagea and Hickey allegations relate to their failures to comply with the requirements of section 89(1)(g) of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates.