The Leadership tribunal that has been set up to inquire into Vanimo-Green MP, Belden Namah’s conduct in office, will proceed to hear submissions tomorrow before deciding on his verdict.
The tribunal sitting resumed this morning for the leader to give evidence after an indication was given yesterday to members of the tribunal and the counsel assisting tribunal that he will give evidence as a witness today.
However this morning, his lawyer Greg Sheppard told the tribunal he received instructions last night that his client will not give evidence.
This now leaves the evidence before the tribunal from the former District Administrator Conrad Tilau, and the former Associate to the Chief justice unchallenged, because the leader decided not to give an explanation of his conduct.
The tribunal will proceed to hear submissions on his verdict tomorrow morning.
Namah pleaded guilty to seven allegations comprising his late, non-submission, false and incomplete annual statements to the Ombudsman Commission for the periods 6 August 2007 to 5 August 2012.
He also pleaded guilty to his failure to lodge financial returns to the office of Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission as winning candidate for the 2012 General Election.
With the leader pleading guilty to eight allegations, the tribunal heard evidence from counsel assisting the tribunal on the two remaining allegations.
- On 14 August 2007, Namah demanded for the removal, suspension and discipline of Conrad Tilau, Vanimo-Green District Administrator, and directed that his staff, John Salle, be appointed as acting district administrator without lawful authority.
- On 24 May 2012, Namah in the company of some policemen and soldiers went into Court room number 3, while Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia was presiding over matters, and interrupted court proceeding by shouting in a threatening manner and demanded for the immediate arrest of the Chief Justice.
Yesterday, Tilau was called by the state to give evidence against the leader in relation to his interference with the administrative process of the Vanimo-Green District Administrator.
In relation to allegations of his storming into a Supreme Court sitting, demanding the arrest of the Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, the state called the former Associate to the Chief justice to give evidence.
All evidence closed today.
(Namah and his lawyers outside the courthouse on Wednesday)