The temporarily court reinstated Hela Governor Anderson Agiru has hailed the court decision yesterday for reinstating the functions of governor to him.
However, this is only temporary until the matter returns to court on February 19 for proper trial over the manner in which Komo-Magarima MP Francis Potape was elected governor on December 29 in Tari during a Hela Provincial Assembly meeting.
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Justice Derek Hartshorn granted the interim orders yesterday to maintain the status-quo while they await proper trial of the matter. Agiru has also been granted by the Court to perform his functions as governor while the court deals with the substantive issue. In a media conference yesterday after the court decision, Agiru has appealed to Potape to reconcile with him and work together to develop new Hela province. “Hela is a brand new province and the socio economic cockpit of Papua New Guinea and must not be disturb. “No man must attempt to hijack process to divert the course of justice in Hela,” he said. Agiru further added that he has set precedence in Hela that the only avenue to seek justice for the people is through the courts. “If you’re always right, the law will always be on your side.” He said Potape and the other LLG presidents are welcome to join him in the assembly which will convene on January 25, 2016 in Hela. However, Potape on the other end told Loop PNG that his team will only attend the meeting if Agiru is willing to step down as governor. He said they have already sign the papers and will wait on the outcome of the court proceedings.
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