Somare lodges complaint with Ombudsman Commission for his ousting as Prime Minister in 2011

Former PNG Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman Commission regarding his ousting as prime minister during the political impasse in 2011.

He named Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio, some Cabinet ministers and public servants at that time, in his complaint on Tuesday. A spokesman for Sir Michael confirmed yesterday that the complaint related to the failure by O’Neill, Sir Michael Ogio, Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah, former Speaker Jeffrey Nape and other mini

sters and MPs to comply with the Supreme Court ruling in 2011 and 2012 for his reinstatement.

Public servants named include former PNG Defence Force Commander Francis Agwi, former Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga, and Chief Secretary Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc. 

A spokesman for Sir Michael said the Supreme Court had ruled that he was the rightful prime minister.

“His complaint relates to the failure by the leaders to comply with the two Supreme Court orders of 2011 and 2012,” he said.

“The complaint is not only against politicians, but also heads of government departments who failed to comply with the two Supreme Court orders.”

The spokesman said the Government’s recent announcement of a K2.3 million payment to Sir Michael “confirms that at all material times, Sir Michael was the Prime Minister as per Supreme Court rulings of 2011 and 2012”. 

Meanwhile, a spokesman at the office of Prime Minister O’Neill yesterday said:  “We have heard this reported in the media, so will receive formal correspondence when appropriate.” PNG Today / The National