Watch Dog refers Kagua-Erave MP James Lagea

The Member for Kagua-Erave, James Lagea has been referred to the Public Prosecutor by the Ombudsman Commission for alleged misconduct in office.

Chief Ombudsman Rigo Lua said yesterday that the Ombudsman Commission referred  MP James Lagea to the Public Prosecutor for alleged misconduct in office.

Lagea failed to submit his financial returns, which is required under Section 89 of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates. He also failed to uphold the duties and responsibilities of his office, required under Section 27 of the Constitution and the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership.

The Ombudsman Commission investigated these alleged breaches and notified the MP last week of his referral to the Public Prosecutor.

The Commission also identified a prima facie case that Lagea has been guilty of misconduct in office and referred him to the Public Prosecutor for independent deliberation under Section 177(1) (b) of the Constitution.

Lagea now awaits a decision from the Public Prosecutor on whether the proceedings will go ahead under the alleged charges.


PNG Today /EMTV