By DALCY LULUA
SOUTHERN Highlands Governor William Powi has appealed to all of his rival candidates in 2022 National General Election to join come forward and work together with him.
He made this call after his final election petition filed by petitioner Peter Nupiri got stuck out earlier this week when the Supreme Court refused appeal application by Mr. Nupiri.
Nupiri disputed Governor Powi’s win at the National Court but got dismissed as the security costs of the petition was contrary to s.209 of the Organic Law on National and Local-Level Government elections.
Aggrieved by the decision of the National Court, petitioner Peter Nupiri appealed to the Supreme Court seeking leave to review the decision of the National Court in dismissing his petition.
However, the Presiding Judge Justice Thomas Anis refused the application on the basis that the application did not raise any important issue points of law to pursue the case.
This has led to conclusion of all election petitions against the incumbent Governor as he does not have any more election petition against him.
Governor Powi welcomed the court ruling and thanked the people of Southern Highlands for their prayers and support.
The Governor assured his people that he will go back home to fix and restore the province to where it was once before.
He also appeal to the leaders who challenged him in 2022 election to come forward and work together with him to bring services to the people.
“I appeal to leaders from Southern Highlands in the likes of Benerd Kaku, Augustine Rapa, Alex Wesa and even Peter Nupiri to come forward and work with me to fix Mendi and deliver service to our people.
“Why destroy our people? If you said you represent and stand for your people to serve the interest of your people, then come work with me.
“You can challenge me in 2027, I have no problem with that but for now let’s work together and restore confidence in our province,” Powi said.
He said leadership is not about one person doing all the job but it’s about delegation, coordination and direction of task to people to work together to bring services to people.
Powi said he is partnering with the District Development Authorities (DDAs) of the five districts in the province as well as the 20 Local Level Governments (LLGs) to deliver services as he is not the only one who will be providing service for all.
“When I go back to Mendi, I will appoint a new Acting Governor and re-establish provincial assembly with Program Evaluation Committee (PEC) with governance.
“I am cleared now and won’t be bothered by anyone anymore, and I will go and do my job as I have now four years to do that,” Governor Powi said.
Speaking amongst his supporters was Powi’s biggest political rival Joseph Kobol.
He said this is his first time to come out in media as he wants to rally his support to Governor to change the province.
“I’ve been fighting with Governor in election for almost ten (10) years but I see Enga and Hela Provinces have developed and if I want my province to develop, I must stop fighting and work along with him,” Mr. Kobol said.
He also appeal to the young leaders to join hands and work with the incumbent Governor for the betterment of the people and the province.
