Alternate PM issue not active, says CJ

Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia has told lawyer representing the ruling People’s National Congress Party Secretary to get instructions from PNC on their next move.

This is because a case before court is no longer an issue at this stage.

Sir Salamo told the lawyer, Emmanuel Asigau of Pacific Legal Group, to go back and get proper instructions from his client, General Secretary of the Peoples’ National Congress Edward Mike Jondi.

Jondi filed the application in March asking the Court to interpret section 142 (Prime Minister) section 143 (Acting Prime Minister), and 145 (Motions of no confidence) of the Constitution.

It seeks interpretation of those provisions of the constitution on the election of the Prime Minister. The application was filed under section 18(1) of the Constitution.

It was filed for the high court to interpret those provisions on who can be nominated as the alternate Prime Minister in the event a motion of no confidence is moved against a Prime Minister.

Sir Salamo said the next motion of no confidence against any Prime Minister will not be moved anytime soon asking parties if the issue was still active and relevant at this time.

Asigau responded that the issue was relevant at the time it was filed in March.  

Opposition Leader Don Polye’s lawyer, Loani Henao, was also in court and indicated that his client as well as the Speaker of Parliament were interested parties in the proceeding.

Attorney General Ano Pala was also listed as an interested party. 

Parties in the case will return to court on Oct 17 and inform the court of their next move.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton