MEMBERS of the Opposition are looking at filling a court case against the State on the amendment on Section 145 of the Constitution.
The parliament successfully passed the amendment on Section 145 yesterday with an overwhelming 80-4 votes.
In a media conference today, the Opposition believes the amendment is oppressive as it goes in favor of the government only to avoid possible vote-of-no-confidence (VoNC) against the Prime Minister.
In the interest of seeking validation on the nature of the amendment and for further deliberation, the Opposition announced to take the matter before court.
They expressed that the amendment allows for an 18 months grace period after a VoNC is ruled out to be unsuccessful against the current Prime Minister and is only seen as protective of the current government.
“We will be filling this case next week to oppose this amendment that’s been oppressive and not in the spirit of the Constitution,” said Deputy Opposition Leader, Hon. James Nomane.
East Sepik Governor, Hon. Allan Bird when commenting on the passage of two amendments on the floor of Parliament, stated that the Constitution must only be amended when absolutely necessary.
“The fact of the matter is, these constitutional changes are intended to support one man,” Governor Bird said.
He said several of the founding fathers of the Constitution are still alive, in the likes of John Momis, and such amendments to the Constitution is a disrespect to them.
“Therefore, we got to stand up and speak. We got the loyal Opposition here, and we intend to do this in memory and respect for our founding fathers and do as their legacies,” Governor Bird emphasized.
