Waigani Supreme Court

When filling his application on November 30 2023, petitioner Paul Mawa submitted that his petition in the National Court was dismissed by Judge Jacinta Murry in Mt Hagan National Court on Nov 21 2023 due to objection of competency.

However, according to Mawa the decision was made without determining its merit.

Single man presiding Judge Justice Derek Hartshorn refused to grant stay orders after he was not convinced by Mr. Mokono’s “arguable grounds” presented by his lawyer, Wesley Bigi of Henao Lawyers.

However, Justice Hartshorn acknowledged the appeal by Mr Mokono that will come before the Supreme Court for substantive hearing on a date soon to be set. 

He is appealing the decision of Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Ambeng Kandakasi of April 28, 2023 in a “Ex tempore” judgement brought on as a judicial review by one Elizabeth Bowada which challenged the “appointment process” that installed him as NHC MD.

His lawyer, Wesley Bigi of Henao Lawyers said: “The appeal for stay is to maintain the status quo and to ensure there is continuity in the management of the affairs of the NHC.”