Grand Chief Somare queries acting Governor General's appointment

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill was taken to task in Parliament today over Cabinet's appointment of a senior minister as the acting Governor General.

Parliament heard, the National Executive Council appointed Attorney-General, Ano Pala, to act in the Vice Regal's position while the Governor General, Sir Michael Ogio, is away on official duty in the Cook Islands.

The Governor of East Sepik, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, asked why the Speaker of Parliament or the Chief Justice did not take up the acting role as clearly stated in the Constitution.

Prime Minister O'Neill says both men are not available resulting in Cabinet's appointment of Mr. Pala.

While the Speaker is in his Finschaffen electorate, having taken leave of absence,  Chief Justice is in the country, performing his official duties.

Sir Michael Somare says this is an abuse of the provisions of the law but Prime Minister O'Neill says all is in order.

"Sapos Governor General i absent long kantri, tru olsem Speaker igat first priority long kamap olsem acting Governor General long kantri blong yumi. Na sapos Speaker em ino available, em Chief Justice i gat next line of responsibility long kamap Governor General. Sapos nogat, tupla wantaim ino stap, then Cabinet must appointim wanpla minister, senior minister, long kamap Governor General blong kantri," Mr O'Neill said.

NBC News/ PNG Today