Rex Kiponge

Among them is for the court to reinstate him while the substantive matter is pending in court.

Justice David Cannings in presiding over this case refused to take carriage of this matter and directed Kiponge’s counsel to file this submission before Justice John Carey who is handling the substantive matter and can consolidate both matters together.

Lawyer representing Kiponge, Solomon Wanis said Justice Canning’s stand not to deliberate on this application does not mean his client’s submission has been dismissed.

This is after Kiponge’s lawyer made new submissions an additional supportive affidavit.

According to Kiponge’s lawyer the document contains sufficient evidence that will support Kiponge’s arguments and assist the court reach a fir decision.

However, Police Prosecutor John Wamulg objected to the application stating that the court has made its decision to make a ruling and the submission of this supporting document is an abuse of the court process.  

Kiponge’s lawyer argued that the defendant had the right to defend himself at the court at all cost.

Minister Schnaubelt told the former MD that he must allow the rule of law to take its course.

Schnaubelt in a media conference held today clarified that the court ruling did not reinstate Kiponge but accorded liberty to apply to amend the proceedings to plead damages as a relief and litigate the question of damages.

Schnaubelt further condemned the actions of Kiponge for storming into the NAC office last week and demanded for his reinstatement as MD for National Airports Corporation.

Joseph Kintau is Acting MD and CEO, pending a permanent appointment of an MD/CEO.

The NEC also did not extend Joseph Tupiri’s acting appointment.

Minister Schnaubelt expressed that such an intervention is warranted.

This follows a stand-off over the role of MD and CEO for NAC between Kiponge and the former MD and CEO, Ephraim Wasem.

The National Court has now issued interim stay orders for the status quo to remain until the matter is resolved by the court.

On March 3rd and 4th the NAC head office was the scene of a stand-off over the position of MD and CEO.

Rex Kiponge, who was appointed on February 25th by the Board of the National Airports Corporation (NAC) was refused entry by heavy police presence, allegedly organised by Kiponge’s predecessor, Ephraim Wasem.