Vaki can now access Paraka files

PNG Police Commision Geoffrey Vaki can have access to 

Paraka files. 

POLICE Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki can access and assess investigation files for Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and others that are implicated in the Paul Paraka Lawyers saga.

This is the effect of the dismissal of a National Court proceeding instituted against Commissioner Vaki by the Fraud Squad officers early this week.

In that proceeding, plaintiffs Mathew Damaru and Timothy Gitua obtained ex parte orders restraining Commissioner Vaki from taking any steps to issue any administrative orders in the nature of suspending and or sacking them, or other steps or actions, that has the effect of interfering with the proper investigation and conclusion of the Paraka Lawyers legal bills related case.

Detective Chief Supt Damaru, who is police fraud and anti-corruption directorate chief and his deputy Gitua, were lead investigators in this controversial case.

Justice Ambeng Kandakasi issued orders on Tuesday to dismiss this proceeding in its entirety for abuse of process as that proceeding challenging Mr Vaki’s powers had been overruled by the full Supreme Court in favour of Mr Vaki.

Greg Sheppard of Young and Williams Lawyers representing Mr Vaki made submissions, saying the proceedings were mischievous as the Supreme Court has already determined and clarified the extent of the powers vested in the police commissioner by sections 197 and 198 of the Constitution.

"The questions on powers of police commissioner have been clarified by the Supreme Court, which if restraining orders are maintained, would be in effect contrary to the decision of the Supreme Court," Mr Sheppard said.

His submission that the proceedings were an abuse of court process was upheld by the court; which led to the dismissal of the proceedings by Justice Kandakasi.

Moses Murray representing Damaru and Gitua submitted for that interim injunction to remain until Mr O’Neill attends the interview with the plaintiffs on the alleged fraud against Paul Paraka Lawyers, but it was refused by judge Kandakasi.

Justice Kandakasi issued orders dismissing the proceedings in its entirety. PNG Today/Post Courier