By GABRIEL KATUHO
FORMER Port Moresby Rugby Football League (POMRFL) Chairman Dr. James Naipao has labeled the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) as unconstitutional.
In a press statement, Dr. Naipao stated that the AGM, initially scheduled for earlier in the year, was disrupted due to its overlap with the competition calendar, preventing its proper execution.
“This AGM will be an election AGM and is now scheduled for November 30, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the White House, located in the Santos National Football Stadium,” he said.
Dr. Naipao noted that earlier in the year, clubs were provided with documentation detailing operational guidelines and compliance requirements as league affiliates, including obligations to attend AGMs.
He stated that a compulsory vetting process will be conducted to ensure only legitimate affiliates and delegates participate in the AGM.
In response to Dr. Naipao’s claims, the President of the Koiari Hiri Dodo Warriors rugby league club, Robert Dogg Akunaii, issued a statement clarifying the AGM’s date.
“The legal date for holding the AGM was November 3rd, as stipulated under Section 15 (5)(a) of the POMRFL Constitution, and this was strictly followed,” he said.
Akunaii further alleged that the former interim board had been operating illegally for the past eight years, failing to convene an AGM after the initial three-year term of their appointment, as mandated by Section 8 (5)(a) of the POMRFL Constitution.
Meanwhile, newly elected chairman Honk Nelson Kiap expressed a willingness to address any concerns raised.
“If this is considered an issue, I am open to resolving it and appealing to the former POMRFL Chairman for a roundtable discussion,” Kiap said.
