By DALCY LULUA
Member for Chuave James Nomane says the Supreme Court’s decision today marks a major step forward in his legal challenge to be declared the Leader of the Opposition.
A five-man bench of the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Mr Nomane had standing in his Section 18 constitutional application-meaning he has the legal right to bring the case before the court.
In a statement following the ruling, Mr Nomane said the court found that he had a direct and sufficient interest in the matter as the Member for Chuave, and that his case is neither “hypothetical nor academic” but carries real legal consequences.
“The Court confirmed that I am not merely a
busybody raising vexatious or trivial issues,” he said. “This is a victory for the rule of law and constitutional democracy.”
Mr. Nomane expressed gratitude to his lawyer, Paul Mawa of Mawa Lawyers, for successfully arguing the threshold issue of standing. He said this paves the way for the substantive hearing of his case to determine who lawfully holds the position of Leader of the Opposition.
“Now that standing has been achieved, the next step is to move quickly to the substantive hearing. My lawyers will expedite this because there is so much at stake,” he said.
Mr Nomane used the opportunity to criticize what he described as the “policy failures” of the Marape Government, citing alleged budget mismanagement, the IMF’s growing influence on the country’s economic policy, and the potential grey listing of Papua New Guinea’s financial system.
“The Prime Minister himself has admitted that
K56 billion has been spent with no results. Budget failure has led to socio-economic regression. National sovereignty is at stake,” he said.
Mr Nomane said the country needed a strong and credible Opposition to hold the Government accountable.
“The Leader of the Opposition cannot be deaf and dumb. We must have the credibility and competence to provide a clear alternative to the deplorable policy failures of the Marape Government,” he stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to continue fighting for what he called a “better Papua New Guinea” on behalf of the people of Chuave and Chimbu Province.
“We will not stop until constitutional order and good governance are restored. This is about accountability, sovereignty, and the future of our nation,” he said.
The Supreme Court is expected to set a date for the substantive hearing in the coming weeks.
Marape ran Govt today claims to be super – power, looking down on institutions and the public population and go beyond limits.
Since the opposition mps are minority the current Marape Govt. had taken advantage of using tricks. For instance, speaker Hon. Joe Pomat in parliament sessions on two occasions had tricked or lied the nations Haus Parliament that was issue over VoNC and the other, currently in supreme court for substantive case proceeding.
I obviously call it Daylight Corruption by the government of the day.
If any unconstitutional desissons made by the Govt. I will always agree when the opposition can always take it to Court because they are minority.
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