James Marape

Marape made this call today after visiting his people recently.

Whilst in the province, Mr Marape met with elders from Huli and Duna in Pori and discussed ways of dealing with tribal issues back home.

“I have made it absolutely clear that murderers must surrender guns ( home-made or factory made) and present themselves to Police, only then will I, as the chairman of my council of Huli Elders hand down our compensation decisions.

The National Court this afternoon dismissed the petition Johnny Pokaya filed, disputing Marape's win in the 2017 General election.

A jubilant court victory for James Marape and his supporters today, the election petition, alleging he committed bribery was dismissed following a trial conducted by Justice David Cannings. 

Trial by evidence came to a close on Monday morning after James Marape as well as the President of the Tebi LLG, Tawi Pulumaya, gave evidence in court.

They gave evidence in relation to allegations of bribery that is said to have occurred on Sunday 25^th June 2017, at Paipali village, in the Tari Urban LLG, where K10,000 cash was allegedly given by Marape to Pulumaya.

Parties will return to court on Wednesday for submission before court adjourns to deliberate on the evidence to reach a decision.

This is the petition filed by Johnny Pokaya.

One ground alleging bribery and undue influence respectively were struck out this morning after Marape’s lawyer, Robert Leo, successfully moved a no-case submission before Justice David Cannings.

Following the commencement of trial on Wednesday afternoon, petitioner Johnny Pokaya presented his evidence and witnesses in court.

This morning Marape moved a no-case submission saying there was no case for him to answer to as the petitioner did not provide enough evidence to sustain the allegations.

Minister Marape said although he wholeheartedly appreciates the response from those who have gone out of their way to assist in the little way they can, the relief effort will now go into its second phase – restoration.

In a press conference, Marape said the ‘stop’ is just so the burden is taken off those sincere Papua New Guineans who have given donations in kind and cash.

He said he was greatly touched by the outstanding response and the heartfelt gestures in this time of need.

Marape issued the warning after discovering a sink filled with betelnut spittle. This was at the first floor of Vulupindi Haus at Waigani, Port Moresby.

He said most times, we tend to blame the buai sellers for the rubbish and buai spit all over the place but evidence proves otherwise.

Marape further called on Secretary for Finance, Dr Ken Ngangan, to get tough on staff who chew during working hours and terminate them.

Minister Marape also went on social media and made a statement regarding this issue.

Finance Minister James Marape recently told parliament that the entire procurement process needs to be revamped to ensure all procurement have a common registry and common filing system across the board.

“This is so that registry is able to be part of the government planning process.”

The process of the expenditure acquittal of provincial and district funds has also come under the radar, with the Minister stressing on the importance of daily reports culminating in a monthly and quarterly reports.

Marape’s lawyer filed an application, to summarily dismiss one of the two petitions, that was filed against the Minister for Finance and Rural Development.

It was filed after Petitioner, Johnny Pokaya’s lawyers failed to comply with directions of the court, which were issued on September 13, to assist parties prepare themselves for trial.

Pokaya’s lawyer did not comply with orders to file witness statements by October 4, as they were dealing with another interlocutory application by Marape’s lawyers to have the case dismissed.

Speaking at the recent swearing-in ceremony of the Provincial Executive Council members in Tari, Marape commended Governor Philip Undialu for the wisdom to initiate such partnership with churches.

“I have committed myself to work with Governor Philip Undialu when it comes to developing the province”, he said.

“The Governor is the boss of the province and we must all learn to work together and learn to respect authority in place to run the province.

Komal was nominated by Finance Minister James Marape and was seconded by Education Minister Nick Kuman.

The Opposition also nominated John Simon. He was nominated by Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil, seconded by Sinasina-Yongumugl MP Kerenga Kua.

After the secret ballot papers were distributed, Komal collected 57 votes while Simon collected 47.

A total of 104 secret ballot papers were distributed.

Meanwhile, the Parliament ha.sd been adjourned to Sept 26 at 2pm.