Namah appears before Tribunal

Member for Vanimo Green Belden Namah with his lawyer Greg Sheppard this morning (Oct 23) appeared before members of the Leadership Tribunal Justice Goodwin Poole and senior magistrate Mark Selefkaru.

 Public Prosecutor Pondros Kaluwin who is assisting the tribunal in its investigation revealed a number of allegations among the 15 allegations Namah was referred over will be withdrawn.

The sitting progressed with only directions this morning and has since been adjourned to Monday (Oct 26) after lunch.

Kaluwin told the tribunal that among the allegations that will be withdrawn against Namah includes the allegation in relation to the seed money for Sandaun Free trade and purchase of properties in Samoa.

He said the allegation involving the leader’s interference with administrative processes in suspending his district administrator, Conrad Tilau is still being deliberated on.

Other allegation Namah is facing includes abuse of power which involves an incident where Namah stormed the National Court building at Waigani and interrupted a Supreme Court proceeding.

There, it is alleged, he ordered the arrest of Chief Justice Salamo Injia during the political impasse while in the company of police and PNGDF soldiers.

Namah is also facing seven allegations of failing to lodge financial returns to the office of the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission and one allegation of failing to pay his personal debts.

The reference outlining the confirmed number of allegations will be presented to Namah on Monday when the tribunal resumes.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton