Thomas Opa

High court relists Kerema petition

Following the dismissal of the petition in the National Court on October 11, Opa asked the Supreme Court to review the National Court’s decision.

The petition was dismissed after a preliminary issue was raised in a motion by MP Richard Mendani’s lawyer regarding the service of the petition by Opa.

The National Court ruled that Opa filed the petition on September 1, however Mendani was serviced the notice, by way of a published advertisement, one day late in the Post-Courier.

Petition against Mendani dismissed

The dismissal comes after a preliminary issue was raised in a motion by Mendani’s lawyer, Tony Waisi, regarding the service of the petition by Opa.

The petition was filed by Opa on September 1, however service of the notice was effected on Mendani, by way of a published advertisement, one day late in the Post-Courier.

Opa could not serve the MP within the 14 days’ requirement of the election petition rules.

Instead, he went to the newspaper on the 12th day to have the advertisement put up. The notice was published on the 15th day.

Vote for change

Thomas Opa is among 47 candidates already nominated to contest for the Kerema open seat in Gulf Province.

 "We must rise above voting along clan lines, tribal lines, family lines, tambus (in-laws) and kandres (uncles) to elect a good leader that will fight for our fish, forest, land, water, and resources.

“Stop electing people who go into power to serve their own interests and that of their cronies.”

Opa’s nomination was witnessed by 10 tribal leaders of Gulf Province last week.