When Speaker Jeffery Nape disqualified Sir Michael Somare on September 6, he stated that his actions are ‘non-justiceable, that is, they could not be challenged in a court of law.’ If no one can challenge his decision in a court of law, then is he, and his office above the law?
It also brings into question whether or not the parliament, and thus the nation, is guided by the rule of law.
Well, Somare has decided to challenge his disqualification in the court of law, saying that the disqualification is ‘null and void and of no effect. This implies that his legal advisers don’t agree with Nape’s statement that his actions are non-justiceable.
If Sir Michael loses the case, that would mean that Nape is right. That would further mean that the National Court supports the fact that some actions of the speaker are non-justiceable. I would see it undemocratic, and frighteningly, rule of law is not in full existence in the parliament.
If Nape loses, I’ll accept the invitation to rejoice with the rule of law, and I’ll allow my eyes to see Nape’s legal advisors sacked, or given refresher courses in legal advising.
We have only to continue reading the pages of time.
While Somare is challenging Nape at the national level, respective clansmen are taking the matter to the ethnic level.
Ben Okoro, former MP for Sinesine-Yongomugl (current MP is Nape) who is running a construction company in East Sepik, was threatened by Sepiks in relation to Sir Michael’s dismissal by Nape. He was told to leave the province.
I fear that I Simbus will retaliate by forcing the Sepiks out of Kundiawa or the problems might start and escalate in the nation’s capital. I just hope that nothing of that sort happen. Leave the fight to the politicians, to do it in a non-physical approach.
The media should also be careful when reporting such sensitive issues, because they can act like fuel to a fire.
Yet, it is a sure fact that an ethnic clash looms…be not a part of it!
It also brings into question whether or not the parliament, and thus the nation, is guided by the rule of law.
Well, Somare has decided to challenge his disqualification in the court of law, saying that the disqualification is ‘null and void and of no effect. This implies that his legal advisers don’t agree with Nape’s statement that his actions are non-justiceable.
If Sir Michael loses the case, that would mean that Nape is right. That would further mean that the National Court supports the fact that some actions of the speaker are non-justiceable. I would see it undemocratic, and frighteningly, rule of law is not in full existence in the parliament.
If Nape loses, I’ll accept the invitation to rejoice with the rule of law, and I’ll allow my eyes to see Nape’s legal advisors sacked, or given refresher courses in legal advising.
We have only to continue reading the pages of time.
While Somare is challenging Nape at the national level, respective clansmen are taking the matter to the ethnic level.
Ben Okoro, former MP for Sinesine-Yongomugl (current MP is Nape) who is running a construction company in East Sepik, was threatened by Sepiks in relation to Sir Michael’s dismissal by Nape. He was told to leave the province.
I fear that I Simbus will retaliate by forcing the Sepiks out of Kundiawa or the problems might start and escalate in the nation’s capital. I just hope that nothing of that sort happen. Leave the fight to the politicians, to do it in a non-physical approach.
The media should also be careful when reporting such sensitive issues, because they can act like fuel to a fire.
Yet, it is a sure fact that an ethnic clash looms…be not a part of it!
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