Somare sues Prime Minister O'Neill for K205 million
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| Sir Michael sues Prime Minister O'Neill |
The former head of state and current member for East Sepik Province appeared before Justice Ambeng Kandakasi last week Friday at the Waigani National Court asking that a default judgement be made against his estranged predecessor, Mr O’Neill.
The writ of summons put forward by the Grand Chief states him as claiming K150 million in general damages for the psychological anguish and public humiliation experienced on August 2, 2011 when he was dismissed from office, K5 million in special damages on a more personal front which will be disclosed in court and K50 million in exemplary damages for his seemingly unlawful and unconstitutional removal from office.
This law suit totalling a sum of about K205 million in claims follows a controversial, unsolved case in PNG’s political history where Sir Michael was basically removed from office while on a sickbed in Singapore and Mr O’Neill was declared PM.
Furthermore, on December 12 of that same year (2011), the disgruntled Grand Chief won a victory in court that ruled his dismissal unlawful and his reinstatement most probable only to have Mr O’Neill declared Prime Minister again on the floor of parliament later on that very same day.
Justice Kandakasi adjourned the matter on Friday at which point he directed Sir Michael’s lawyer John Alman and the Solicitor-General to appear before him on December 2.
It was disclosed that Justice Kandakasi adjourned the matter to research the history and details surrounding the matter before deciding on whether the matter be referred to the Supreme Court for constitutional interpretation.
The law suit comes at a crucial time for the O’Neill government and Mr O’Neill’s referral last week Friday could not have come at a more crucial time for his government. No comment could be attained from the PM as all parliamentarians were preoccupied for yesterday’s passing of budget.
PNG Today/Post COurier
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