Acting provincial administrator, John Bivi, said the administration could not respond to the petition in 48 hours as demanded as they will need more time to look into all the demands.
Bivi claimed most of the demands in the petition were politicised and lacked substance.
He said once the committee completes a draft to respond to the petition, they will give it to Governor Peter Yama for his input.
Bivi also said most leaders involved, or who were allegedly seen amongst the crowds during the stand-off, must also be present to answer to some of the demands.