THE long-running leadership tussle between Byron Chan and Walter Schnaubelt has officially come to an end this evening, with the New Ireland Provincial Assembly swearing in Chan as Governor of the province.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at around 4:00pm today, Wednesday, 25 February 2026, following a decisive sitting of the Provincial Assembly that confirmed Chan as the legitimate Governor of New Ireland Province.
The ceremony, witnessed by provincial leaders, senior public servants and supporters, marked the conclusion of weeks of political uncertainty that had divided leaders and communities across the province.
New Ireland Provincial Administrator Richard Andia reaffirmed the administration’s position during a joint appearance earlier, stating that the Provincial Administration stands ready to serve under the legitimate leadership of Governor Chan.
“As Head of the Public Service in the province, we will work with the duly sworn-in Governor to ensure service delivery continues without disruption,” Andia said.
He further stressed that the public service remains neutral and committed to upholding lawful directives and maintaining stability within the province.
In his address after taking oath, Governor Chan thanked members of the Assembly for their support and called for unity moving forward.
“This chapter has tested us, but today we move forward together for the good of our people,” Chan said.
He emphasised that his priority will be restoring confidence in the provincial government, strengthening administrative coordination, and ensuring that development programs continue to reach districts and local-level governments without delay.
The leadership dispute between Chan and Schnaubelt had drawn significant public attention, prompting calls from various stakeholders for clarity and adherence to constitutional processes. Today’s formal swearing-in is expected to settle the matter and restore political stability within the province.
With the official ceremony now completed, the Provincial Administration has confirmed that all government operations will proceed under Governor Chan’s leadership.
The people of New Ireland now look ahead to a new phase of governance, with leaders urging unity, respect for the rule of law, and renewed focus on service delivery.