Peter O'Neill

In a statement, Gabadi-Manumanu Land Committee chairman, John Daroa, said: “This is because William Duma is under investigation in the controversial Manumanu land deal in Kairuku district while he was the minister for public enterprise and state investments in the last government.

“The outcome of the investigation by the police fraud squad, administrative inquiry and Ombudsman Commission is yet to be made public.”

By virtue of the powers conferred by Section 148 of the Constitution, O’Neill appointed an eight men cabinet for a period of two weeks.

The eight including himself will run the affairs of the country before the first parliament sitting.

The eight include:

O'Neill was formally sworn in at 3:56pm by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae.

This follows his election, 60-46, by parliament moments earlier.

Present to witness was New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan, Western Highlands Governor, Paias Wingti, and several returning and new MPs.

Also present was his wife, Lynda Babao-O'Neill, who was emotional and embraced her husband before formalities.

A brief toast to end the formalities was followed by a chat with guests before Sir Dadae departed.

O'Neill is on his way to Parliament.

The leader of the People's National Congress Party was nominated by Abau MP, Sir Puka Temu.

O'Neill was returned to the PM’s post with 60-46 votes.  

Parliament is now in recess as the PM-elect will go to Government House for Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae to swear him into office.

Speaker Job Pomat invited the People's National Congress Party, on advice of the Governor-General, to nominate a person for the Prime Minister's position.

Runner-up in the Ialibu-Pangia seat, Stanley Liria, filed an urgent application to restrain O'Neill from making declaration of loyalty and taking office in Parliament tomorrow.

He alleges that he was denied his constitutional rights, saying polling was conducted on Sunday.

The application was refused and dismissed because the court saw that the primary issue - Sunday polling - that was raised by Liria in this National Court case is the same issue he had earlier raised in the Supreme Court.

He filed an application on Monday afternoon seeking interim orders to restrain O'Neill from taking office, alleging there was an infringement in the constitution when polling was conducted in the electorate on a Sunday.

The urgent application came before court this morning.

Substantively, Liria is asking the court to declare that the public declaration of Peter O'Neill was unconstitutional.

O’Neill arrived late today into Alotau along with other three MPs.

This brings the total number of MPs in the Alotau camp to 54.

Those who arrived include John Pundari, MP for Kompiam Ambum, William Duma, Hagen MP and Lagaip Porgera MP elect Tomait Kapili.

Accompanying them was also Nick Kuman whose Gumini Open seat declaration is yet to be confirmed.

O'Neill in a short media briefing said his team is confident in forming the next government.

Outgoing Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said this in a press conference at Government House yesterday afternoon, after he was asked to comment on an incident at the Tropicair terminal involving the former MP.

He was asked if the PNC condoned violence and approved of the use of armed policemen to force newly declared politicians to join their camp.

"The ongoing political stability of our country’s leadership will continue, we must maintain ongoing economic growth, continue to create jobs and to work with each Member to strengthen their communities through our ongoing rural programs.

"Members of Government know that we have proven our capability over the last term of Government.

"We have delivered for our Nation, and we have delivered for districts and provinces around our country.

He said this demonstrates the nation-wide appeal of the PNC-led Government and its policies.

O’Neill made the comments as more PNC Members are declared from each of the nation’s four regions.

"Our Government for the next Parliament will be nationwide and consultative, not focused on any single region,” he said.

"Regionalism and selfishness that comes from exclusion will never be a part of a PNC-led Government.

"PNC candidates are being elected in significant numbers around the country from island and costal through to highlands communities.