Middle Fly MP Roy Biyama will remain as Governor for the Western Province following his election by members of the Fly River Provincial Government on 13 February, 2017.
The Waigani National Court on Friday refused an application filed by Ati Wobiro, seeking injunctive orders against members of the Fly River Provincial Government as well as Biyama from acting in the Governor’s post.
Wobiro asked the court to put a stay on the election of Biyama dated 13 February and restrain him from carrying out duties as Governor.
Justice Hitelai Polume-Kiele refused the reliefs sought by Wobiro because the court was of the view that there was a vacancy in the Governor’s post by operation of law following Wobiro’s sentence on Nov 18, 2016.
Wobiro is serving his 10-year sentence at Bomana pending an appeal in the Supreme Court.
The judge said while the court is aware of the pending appeal, balance of convenience does not favour the orders sought by Wobiro as government machinery has to continue operating in the province and an administrative head needs to be in place.
Biyama is currently the remaining Member of Parliament in the province. Wobiro is currently serving a 10-year term at Bomana pending an appeal, North Fly MP Boka Kondra is suspended by the Leadership Tribunal awaiting his Supreme court slip rule application hearing, while the South Fly lost its MP, late Aide Ganasi, on Nov 8, 2016.
(Loop file picture)